I raise the issue of places in autism classes in secondary schools. In Dublin 15, there are currently 30 autism classes in primary schools, which cater for a maximum of 180 students. There are nine autism classes in secondary schools, with a maximum of 54 places. Secondary school autism class enrolment operates in the same way as it does for primary schools, with six pupils per class and the provision then closing until graduation.

A recent survey relating to children in primary school found that in sixth class ten students have no secondary school autism placement with less than one month to go. Danu, the new local special school for Dublin 15, is at full capacity and will not open to new enrolments for five years. I ask the Taoiseach or a Minister to please intervene to ensure every child has access to an appropriate school placement. There will be a major public meeting on this on Monday in the Dublin 15 constituency. This is something that needs to be addressed immediately.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I will engage with the Minister on the issue. It relates to post-primary placements. About 287 additional special classes with 1,700 new places for the 2022-23 school year have already been approved and provided. There is, however, an issue with second level placements, as I discussed with Deputies yesterday. There is in place legislation by which the Minister can direct post-primary schools to develop post-primary autistic units. There is an obligation on all secondary schools to make that provision. This has happened in primary education since the late 1990s, when we brought in measures providing for automatic entitlements for children with special needs, including autism. It seems to me that at second level that progress has been much slower. I will engage with the education and training board, ETB, and others to see if we can get that provision expanded.