Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The children in these classes have access to a programme of work that is geared to their individual needs and adapted if necessary if it is found not to be best suited to their needs. They are able to attend mainstream classes when it is in line with their abilities. These schools enable and foster social integration, and the pupils integrate well with their peers. The staff were supportive and enthusiastic about the variety of methodologies used and I firmly believe and will argue with anyone that all children have a right to be taught by qualified teachers. Having information and numerous skills is vitally important, but one must possess the ability to impart knowledge to be the most effective teacher one can be.

From my visit it was obvious that these children were being given the opportunity to be the best they could possibly be. Their education was nurtured in an environment conducive to learning and they were able to develop a sense of independence, which was evident when they played their tin whistles as a group and individually.

In my parish, we received sanction for an autistic unit alongside a mainstream school last year. Two boys are attending the pre-school and accessing a range of methods so that their needs can be met. TEACCH, PECS, and ABA are used — the Department supports the use of ABA. However, based on research, evidence and best practice, ABA should not be the only method used.

The reality is that children with autism suffer on the whole spectrum of needs. Some children are capable of being fully integrated into mainstream classes, while some need additional teaching or assistance and others need a special class specifically for autistic children. Early intervention is vital and they deserve to be taught by qualified teachers.

It is insensitive and shameful for the integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools to be termed a "social experiment". Most parents prefer their children to attend mainstream or special classes in local schools and the Government has worked hard to support this choice. We are developing special schools as centres of excellence and outreach facilities and allowing for dual enrolment so that children can attend a special school and a mainstream school, as appropriate.

Inclusion is not unique to Ireland. The Individuals with Disabilities Act in the USA requires that, to the maximum extent, students with disabilities be placed in the least restrictive environment where they are educated alongside their peers. Who are we to disagree with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities? It requests states to ensure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of their disabilities and in 2008 people with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality and free primary and secondary education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live. Surely all our children deserve that.

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