Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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502. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to ensure that a suitable school place is available, in line with the professional recommendation, for a child with special needs (details supplied) in County Cork; the way the educational needs of the child are currently being met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39422/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that 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.

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.

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

The purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme which is administered by the Special Education Section of my Department is to provide a compensatory educational service for children with Special Educational Needs who are awaiting a suitable educational placement and for early intervention for children with autism.

My Department has been informed that the NCSE has identified a placement for the child hand accordingly Home tuition cannot be granted in this case.