Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the location a person (details supplied) can obtain the necessary supports they urgently require. [7878/17]

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.

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. My Department considers that it is essential that in assessing the need for specialised placement options in certain areas, the individual needs of children should be properly assessed to determine the appropriateness of special class or special school provision for them.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas as required.

As the matter raised by the Deputy refers to a particular child, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the National Council for Special Education for their attention and direct reply.