Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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253. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve funding for an autism unit (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22352/13]

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. 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. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have therefore arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.