Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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105. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the demand by parents in Dublin 7 and 15 for an ASD special school for children with high level of need; his plans for the school particularly in the context of the large population of the area and the many children affected and unable to receive a full educational provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49505/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the demand for additional special class and special school placements in the North Dublin area. 

As the Deputy is aware, I have asked the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to provide my Department with a report on current and future identified need in the area so that evidence based decisions may be made on the development of the necessary placements in the area for the short, medium and longer term.  The NCSE is currently compiling this report.

From time to time, the Council identifies local areas where additional provision is required.  In those circumstances, SENOs work with the schools and families concerned to resolve the issues involved. 

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 when commenced will assist in addressing this issue in areas where the NCSE is of the opinion that there is insufficient education provision for children with special educational needs.

Section 8 of the Act, which will commence from Monday 3rd December 2018, will provide the Minister with a power, after a process of consultation with the NCSE, the board of management and the patron of the school, to compel a school to make additional provision for the education of children with special educational needs.