Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the availability of services for autism at a primary level in County Donegal, with reference to autism units that may be currently available in schools; the number of students with autism that are attending services for the 2012/2013 term; if he will project numbers for the 2013/2014 term; if he will outline any plans for future service expansion; if he will clarify catchment rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14918/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children or on deciding the most appropriate placement for their child. SENO contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.

Officials in my Department have forwarded the questions raised by the Deputy to the NCSE for their attention and direct response.