Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) is allowed complete another academic year in a school in September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19487/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise 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 school 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.

All children enrolled in an Early Intervention Class funded by this Department must have left the class and be enrolled in the primary school system, whether through placement in a mainstream class, in a special class or in a special school, in the September prior to their sixth birthday.

Parents can choose which school to apply to and, where the school has places available, the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

The NCSE have advised that the child referred to by the Deputy has been enrolled in an ASD class in a school other than that referred to by the Deputy for the next school year 2016/17.

Parents who may need advice or assistance in transitioning their child to primary school should contact their local SENO. All schools have the contact details of their local SENO and further contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.