Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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710. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the autism spectrum disorder early intervention unit at a school (details supplied) in County Cork for September 2016 onwards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6064/16]

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 needs 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.

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.

The NCSE have advised that SENOs are currently liaising with schools in Cork City and County regarding the establishment of classes for the 2016/17 school year.

As the matter referred to in this question relates to a specific school, I will arrange to have the Deputy's request referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.