Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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855. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policy of her Department with regard to the early education of children on the autism spectrum disorder; the options that are open to parents of children in the environs of Cork city with a child on the spectrum who is preschool age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20196/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs, including children with autism, should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with special educational need require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available.

Home tuition is provided to children with autism aged between 2½ and 3 years of age as they cannot enrol in a school until they reach the age of three. Parents can choose to enrol children with autism in an early intervention class from the age of three and where such a placement is not available home tuition is approved. Children with autism over the age of four may also be eligible for home tuition if a school placement is not available for them.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications for primary and post-primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents are encouraged to liaise with the local SENO to discuss placement options for their child.

The Deputy may also be aware that the National Council Special Education (NCSE) is currently at an advanced stage in the preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism which includes a review of early intervention provision. I expect that the NCSE final report, which is 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 for future years.