Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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268. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is no legislative requirement on schools to provide special classes for children with autism spectrum disorder; his plans to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20888/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.

There are approximately 14,000 students with ASD in the school system.

- 63% are educated in mainstream classes

- 23% are educated in special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools; and

- 14% are educated in special schools

In respect of children with ASD 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.

The Deputy will also be aware that it is the role of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to make appropriate arrangements to establish special classes in schools in communities where the need for such classes has been identified.

Progress in developing this network has been significant and in addition to the special school placements there are currently over 1,000 special classes throughout the country at primary and post primary level of which 765 are for children with Autism. This figure will increase to 1,153 special classes available next year of which 889 will be for children with Autism.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 was published last Friday. The Bill will bring tangible benefits to all parents. The Bill will include measures which would oblige all schools to admit pupils where there are available places.

The Bill will also include measures to provide for a situation where a child (with special needs or otherwise) cannot find a school place. The proposed measures will allow the National Council for Special Education or Tusla to designate a school place for that child.