Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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193. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the number of children by county currently waiting for places in Redhill House, Patrickswell, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16234/14]

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. I have arranged for the matter raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the locations and numbers of special classes for children with ASD in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16235/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that 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 resource teaching and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

Details of special classes for special classes for children with autism attached to mainstream schools at primary and post primary level are available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie and can be viewed on a per county basis. Details of any new special classes which will be opened for the coming school year will also be detailed on the NCSE website once this has been finalised.