Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2025
455. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports available to schools dealing with high-risk behaviours in autism-specific classes, including pupils with PICA, elopement risks, and self-harming behaviour and whether additional resources will be provided to ensure staff and pupil safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55005/25]
View answer456. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that schools are not penalised for adhering to inclusive admissions policies, and that adequate resources are provided to support all pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55006/25]
View answer462. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that the pupils in an autism class (details supplied) are presenting with highly complex needs, including PICA, self-injurious behaviours and high levels of dysregulation; the steps her Department and the NCSE are taking to ensure that schools are not left without adequate resources to provide for these children’s right to an appropriate and inclusive education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55114/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 455, 456 and 462 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at: oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
