John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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340. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a place is available at the ASD unit of a school (details supplied) for a person; and if the matter will be expedited. [19407/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The NCSE, an independent agency of my Department, is responsible for planning, coordinating and advising on education provision and support services 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’s team of locally based Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents whose children have special needs and identify available placements. They also support and advise schools in this area.

ASD Early Intervention classes are available for children aged between 3 and 5 years of age 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.

A child cannot attend an early intervention class prior to their third birthday.

As the Deputy's question relates to the NCSEs placement planning for a particular child, I have referred the question to the NCSE for their direct reply.