Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to clarify on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science the position of the Department of Education and Science in respect of the educational provision for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders, ASD, and, in particular, associated issues under the home tuition scheme.

The Deputy is aware of the commitment of the Department of Education and Science to ensure that all children, including those with ASD, receive an education appropriate to their needs. The variety of current provision in this regard includes pre-school classes for children with autism, special classes for children with autism attached to special schools and mainstream schools, special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome, as well as a range of supports for pupils with autism integrated in mainstream classes. A pilot scheme has facilitated the establishment of stand-alone facilities providing an ABA specific methodology.

The Department is of the view that children with autism, in common with all children, should have access to appropriate provision delivered by suitably qualified teachers within the school system where the children can mix with their wider peer group and have maximum opportunities for integration. Pupils benefit from having a wider range of ASD teaching methodologies, fully qualified national school teachers, a school structure and the option of integration into mainstream classes immediately available, depending on each child's ability and progress.

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