Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a place in a preschool pending receipt of a diagnostic report from the early intervention team; when the school will be provided with written confirmation of diagnosis from the early intervention team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23410/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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ASD Early intervention classes are available for children aged 3-5 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early intervention classes are intended to provide early support for children with ASD before they start school. Following early intervention children will attend a mainstream class unless there is professional guidance that they require a special class or a placement in a special school.

In order to access an early intervention class children over 4 years of age (who will not reach the age of 6 during the school year) must have an ASD diagnosis and a recommendation from a relevant professional for an early intervention placement.

The availability and provision of health-related services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), and matters in relation to the provision of such services should be directed to the Minister for Health through the Health Service Executive. My Department has no responsibility for such services.