Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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456. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken by his Department and the National Council for Special Education to ensure that a child (details supplied) has an appropriate school place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25554/16]

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 a placement in a school setting 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.

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.

In the event that no such placement is available, home tuition can be provided until such a placement becomes available.

An application for Home Tuition for the child referred to by the Deputy has recently been received in Special Education Section of my Department. Special Education Section are currently communicating with the Parents in order to advance the application.