Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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770. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an updated psychological assessment is required for a child diagnosed with autism to be eligible to apply for a school place; if a particular body is required to conduct said assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12765/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

In order to access a special class a student must have a report (s) from a relevant professional or team of professionals (for example, psychologist, speech and language therapist, psychiatrist) which must fulfil the following Department of Education criteria:

1. The student has a disability (in line with the designation of the special class in question)

2. The student has complex or severe learning needs that require the support of a special class / school setting and the reasons why this is the case.

Further information in relation to the criteria for special classes can be found at: ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NCSE-Guidelines-for-Setting-Up-and-Organising-Special-Classes-2024-ENG.pdf

For students who are transitioning from a primary special class to a post-primary special class of the same designation, a new professional report and assessment is no longer required.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.