82. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if children attending a school (details supplied) who have applied for a place in a special school and have a letter from the NCSE that they are entitled to such a place will get a place in one of the two new autism classes being established in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40455/25]

Sentiment score: 0.20

Two weeks ago, parents of children who attend St. Mochta's National School in Clonsilla who have diagnoses and who have been approved for a place in an autism class were shocked to find out that, even though the school is opening two autism classes, none of their children was being offered a place. I have met the parents and the school leadership, as have other Deputies. A lot of work has gone on in the background on this matter. I hope the Minister of State has some good news for the school, the parents, the school leadership and particularly for six young children in Clonsilla.

Sentiment score: 0.22

The Minister of State knows how to build the tension. He has given us some general points but we are still on tenterhooks as to what is happening in this particular school. I believe the Minister of State has a little bit more to say, so I will allow him to complete his answer.

Sentiment score: -0.01

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome that clarification. He spoke about intensive work having taken place around the country to support the opening of new classes. I know very intensive work took place between parents, the school leadership team, the principal, the deputy principal and the chair of the board of management over the last two weeks. I have met parents, as have other Deputies. I thank the Minister of State because I know he made an intervention as well. I want to acknowledge that. It is important to say that, while the NCSE is working very hard to open new autism classes, it dropped the ball here. It is not acceptable that children in this school who had diagnoses and who had a letter stating they were entitled to a class would watch other children get places in newly opened classes while they did not. It has always been Government policy that children deserve an appropriate place. I know there is pressure here but has something been learned from the experience of St. Mochta's?

Sentiment score: 0.16