A total of 732 children in the State are currently in receipt of the home tuition grant. In most cases, this comes down to the inadequate number of school places for children with additional needs. Many children with additional needs have also experienced a reduction in their school timetables. While expulsions are rare in primary schools, with about 30 each year, they are excessively high in special schools or schools with special classes, according to figures compiled by Tusla. Pupils in special settings make up about 4% of the primary school population, but account for about 6% of primary school expulsions.

The mother of a 16-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, ASD, who was expelled last year for challenging behaviour has said she has applied without success to 15 other schools since then but no appropriate placement is available. The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 gave the Minister for Education and the Department the power to compel schools to open special classes. A review of the operation of this provision is supposed to take place after three years. That must happen. This power must be used much more robustly to end the problem of admissions for children with additional educational needs.

I do not believe any child with ASD should be expelled from schools. Children and young people with autism should be supported and the necessary supports should be provided to facilitate their continued participation in education in an appropriate setting. It may emerge, sometimes, that a setting may not be the most appropriate, depending on where the child is on the autism spectrum. All schools should be open to providing places for children with additional needs. I have engaged with the Minister of State with special responsibility in this area, Deputy Madigan, the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, and the Department, through the relevant Cabinet sub-committee, regarding special education provision, with a view to increasing places and prioritising the needs and concerns of children with special needs. That remains a key focus of the Ministers responsible and the Government.