Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of autistic spectrum disorder units attached to primary and secondary schools in the Clonmel catchment area of County Tipperary; if there are sufficient units to meet the needs of children in this area; his plans to increase the number of primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14180/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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.

I am advised by the NCSE that there are currently 4 classes for children with ASD at primary level and a further 3 classes at post primary level in the Clonmel area.

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 they expect to open up to 100 new special classes for the coming school year.

The NCSE has identified the need for an additional ASD class at Primary Level in the Clonmel area and are currently liaising schools in the area with a view to establishing an additional class for the 2016/17 school year.