Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Deputies may have heard the interesting and informative debate on the "News at One" today between two members of the task force who have very different views on the role of ABA in the education of children with autism.

The report of the task force on autism is just one of many reports and pieces of research that has informed my Department's policy on the appropriate educational provision for children with autism. Officials in my Department regularly review research, speak with experts, and attend international conferences on the topic to keep themselves abreast of ongoing developments in the research and best practice in other countries. My Department's policy is also informed by advice from the National Educational Psychological Service and the inspectorate.

There is nowhere near enough time in this debate to outline to the House the various different pieces of research and advice that have informed our view that the provision of access to a range of interventions in all settings is in the best interests of children with autism. I encourage all Members to educate themselves about this important issue and in particular about the extent of debate that exists in the international autism community about the success of different types of interventions.

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