Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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924. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places currently in Autism Spectrum Disorder classes in Dublin North, by school; the number of places due to come on stream in the next two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21260/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware 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 the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

SENOs engage with schools annually in order to plan for, and to open, new special classes each year, in order to ensure there are sufficient special class placements available at primary and post primary school level to meet demand in a given area.

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 NCSE will continue to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to open such new special classes where necessary.

Details of all of the special classes for children with special educational needs which are attached to mainstream schools are published each year on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

I have arranged for the Deputy's request for specific detail on provision in the area referred to, to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.