Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Nos. 229 of 4 November 2015 and 162 of 18 November 2015, if she will acknowledge a chronic lack of special classes for students with autism in mainstream secondary schools, and the reason for her policy of allowing schools to undertake such classes subject to their own willingness. [43558/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware my Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with autism in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.

Children with autism may be enrolled in a mainstream school and can attend all mainstream classes. In such cases these children will receive additional teaching support through the learning support and/or the resource teacher and, where appropriate, will receive access to Special Needs Assistance and assistive technology if required.

In respect of children with autism who cannot be accommodated in mainstream education, they may be enrolled in special classes or special schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided.

Progress in developing this network has been significant and in addition to the special school placements there are over 1,000 special classes throughout the country at primary and post primary level. The number of special classes at post primary level has risen by approximately 70 classes in the last 3 years.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has recently submitted their Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In developing this policy advice, the NCSE has consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research. The policy advice is currently under consideration in my Department.

My officials will consider and report to me on any recommendations in the report which relate to the issues raised by the Deputy.