Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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82. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 352 of 4 October 2022 (details supplied), the steps that can be taken in cases in which parents have contacted the SENO but have been advised that their child will not be given a place in an ASD unit in the absence of an ASD diagnosis despite having very similar neurodevelopment difficulties and needs and requiring the same supports as those with ASD; if a student who does not have an ASD diagnosis but who does have similarly presenting needs is eligible to apply for a place in an ASD unit; the further steps that a parent can take in cases in which a child will not be given a place in an ASD unit without an ASD diagnosis; if further general learning disability units will be provided to cater for the needs of such children; if it is the policy of the NCSE that no further general learning disability units will be provided; if so, if steps will be taken to allow children without an ASD diagnosis but with similar needs to access ASD units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50424/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.

The NCSE have advised that the majority of students with ASD are supported in a mainstream context with additional supports where required. Where it has been recommended in a professional report that a specialist placement is in the interests of a student, this may be provided through a special class in a mainstream school or through a special school. There is no planned provision for admittance to these classes without a corresponding professional report.

Specific educational supports being made available is a matter for each individual school. Parents are advised to speak with the Principal of the school in relation to what supports will be available for each student. Parents may also contact their local SENO who will be available to offer further advice and assistance specific to needs of each student, contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.

Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream or other special classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, will continue to be dealt with by way of an exceptional review process, the details of which can be found on the NCSE website: ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.

The NCSE is actively planning for an increasing demand for special classes on a national basis. As the school population increases over the coming years, so too will demand for special classes. The NCSE is working with the Department of Education to provide sufficient appropriate accommodation for these special classes.

My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.

I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.