Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the Government's policy in relation to the education of children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18738/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs.

The policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school.

The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently at an advanced stage in the preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism.

I expect that the NCSE final report, which is due to be delivered shortly, will reflect the broadest possible range of views, both National and International, and will provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy on the education of children with autism for future years.