Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which special needs school places are readily available at primary and second level throughout the country at appropriate locations to ensure the availability of such places within reason for children seeking the facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17133/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which facilities for children with autism or Asperger's syndrome continue to remain available and accessible at primary and second level throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17138/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which facilities to meet the educational needs at primary and second level, of children with autism or Asperger's syndrome throughout County Kildare remain available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17139/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199, 204 and 205 together.

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 Special Educational Needs 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 and special school placements where the need for such placements has been identified.

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. Special Classes and Special Schools are staffed with a lower pupil–teacher ratio ranging from 6-1 to 12-1, on the basis of disability categorisation of pupils attending the school.

There are currently 1,152 special classes nationally, which is an increase of over 100% on the number available in 2011. Of these, 126 are ASD early intervention classes, 526 are primary ASD classes and 236 are post-primary ASD classes. The remainder are non-ASD special classes. 125 special schools also provide specialist education for those pupils who need it, from infants to eighteen years of age.

With regard to Kildare in particular there are 4 special schools, 7 non-ASD special classes Special Classes and 59 ASD special classes, including 6 ASD early intervention classes, 41 primary ASD classes and 12 post primary ASD classes.

The NCSE, in consultation with the relevant education partners, must take into account the present and future potential need, location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas. In this regard the NCSE has advised that they are continuing to engage with schools in opening special classes where there is an identified need for special class provision and in order to ensure there are sufficient placements available to meet demand.

Parents/guardians may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.