I raise the lack of capacity in autism spectrum disorder, ASD, units in secondary education. The State has made considerable progress in the capacity of ASD units in primary schools, which is a good thing. However, there is an acute shortage of ASD feeder schools, particularly for children who are leaving primary settings and moving to secondary education.

I am sure these issues arise across the State. A number of families in Clondalkin have contacted me in recent days to tell me there will be no places whatsoever for their children come September or the following September. They have tried everywhere in the Clondalkin area and beyond but as of September, there will have no places available. It is obviously causing anxiety for the children concerned and their families. I understand this is an issue of resourcing and secondary schools are being resourced. However, there needs to be extra capacity for these families.

I thank the Deputy for the question. Special classes are an important issue. There are 2,118 special classes at the moment. This has been increased by 269 this year and it will be increased by 287 next year. That will create an additional 1,700 special class places. Notwithstanding that, it is important that we work with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, and liaise on the transition between primary school and post-primary school. The local special educational needs organisers should be collaborating with schools to ensure spaces are available. If the Deputy has a particular school in mind, he can contact me or the Department directly and we can talk to the NCSE about the matter.