Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding that is being provided for support services for children with autism; the numbers of staff employed in associated programmes; if he will elaborate on support services that are provided to parents of children with autism at a regional level; if he will outline the relationship with the primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17446/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Department currently spends some €1.3 billion or 15% of its budget in support of children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism. Many children with autism are supported in mainstream schools where they are integrated with other children, including those with other Special Educational Needs. These children have access to additional resource teaching hours and may have access to Special Needs Assistants as required. Complete details on funding and staffing specifically to support children with autism is therefore not available.

There are 540 classes specifically for children with autism. These classes are staffed with a ratio of 1 teacher and a minimum of 2 Special Needs Assistants for every 6 children.

Other supports include Home Tuition, special school transport arrangements, special equipment and training for teachers and parents.

The National Council for Special Education is available to support parents who may be considering the most appropriate placement for their child or who are transitioning their child from primary to post primary level.