John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons with a diagnosis of autism who would benefit from attending an ASD unit at primary and secondary level by county; the number of ASD units at primary and secondary level in each county; the number of places available at primary and secondary level in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17841/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not hold information in relation to the number of children with a recommendation for ASD specific placements.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), an independent agency of my Department, is responsible for planning, co-ordinating and advising on education provision for children with special educational needs in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year, and where special class provision, is required, it is planned and established to meet that need. As the Deputy's question relates to an identified need I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Since 2011, the number of ASD special classes has increased by over 260% from 330 in 2011 to 1,196 across the country now. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available by county on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

Special classes for students with ASD provide 6 placements and are staffed with a lower pupil–teacher ratio of 6:1 at primary level and 6:1.5 at post primary level, and also have a minimum of two SNAs for every class of 6 children.