Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a new special needs unit at a school (details supplied) will be opened. [26253/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs, including Autism, in mainstream school settings, unless such a placement would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, or the children with whom they will be educated.

The National Council for Special Education(NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers, for the development and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with Special Educational Needs, including the establishment of special classes.

The NCSE is aware of emerging need in Dublin, from year to year, and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.

A Special Needs Unit (SNU) was provided as part of the new school build for the school referred to by the Deputy and the school have taken occupancy of their new premises.

Further to this, the NCSE have advised my officials that the school is preparing to open an ASD special class in the coming school year.