Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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417. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of autism spectrum disorder unit places at secondary level in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare where there are shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8493/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department's policies focus on ensuring that all children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

A range of placement options for pupils with special educational needs is provided, in order to ensure that all pupils can receive a school placement. Many pupils with special educational needs will be able to attend a local mainstream school, whereas for pupils who have needs which require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements are provided for.

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 continues 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 NCSE has advised that SENOs are currently liaising with schools regarding the establishment of further classes for 2016/17 school year.

I understand that the number of special classes for students with ASD in Co. Kildare is 57, 11 of which are at post primary level, 41 at primary level and 5 are early intervention classes.

Full details of all of the special classes currently provided is available at www.ncse.ie.