Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

My Department does not insist that all children with autism are educated in mainstream schools, as is sometimes claimed. We are simply working to ensure that whether in mainstream or special schools, children have access to a balanced programme, delivered by suitably trained staff.

In this country we have a very strong commitment by myself and the Government to all children with special educational needs and particularly, in this instance, children with autism. We have been extending the range of special schools and classes throughout the country so that parents have the option of sending their child with autism to the same school as the other siblings. Children with autism have access to a fully qualified teacher, the option of being integrated with other children and a range of teaching methods available to them, methods that include communication and social skills, as well as ABA. Such children know that we are aiming to realise the best opportunities that their parents want for them, throughout the country.

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