Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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393. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional ASD places made available in Dublin 1, 7 and 9 respectively, in the 2020-21 academic year. [39781/20]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.

NCSE is actively working with primary and post primary schools in the Dublin 1, 7 and 9 areas to establish special classes. At primary level, there are currently 2 ASD Early Intervention classes and 13 ASD classes in this area. NCSE has also confirmed that two further primary ASD classes are scheduled to open in January and September 2021.

At post primary level there is one ASD class currently.

Next year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs. This investment will support the provision of over 1,200 additional special class places.

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE to open a special class. The active collaboration of school communities is vital to the effective inclusion of students with special educational needs.

The NCSE's local Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: