Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Limerick city is one of the only areas in the country that does not have any mainstream schools, primary or secondary, with autistic spectrum disorder units attached to educate autistic children; her plans to put same in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36261/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, 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.