Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

In this regard, I am delighted with the announcement this week that Rehab in Limerick has received special recognition from the Department of Education and Science to proceed with the development of a new pre-school and primary school for children with autism. The new school in Limerick will adopt a range of innovative methodologies and interventions used to promote the maximum learning potential of each child, including TEACCH, PECS, ABA, NEBS and positive behaviour supports.

For me, the future in this area is ensuring a holistic approach by not only concentrating on the education of the child, but also on other areas such as independent living, social and leisure skills, play skills, communication skills and self care. It is not all about one issue here. Last night, I found the rather crude attempt by some speakers to characterise anybody who came to this debate in good faith as somehow being anti-children if their view differed regrettable. Some people hold opposing views. It does not mean they are absolutely right or that they are absolutely wrong.

See this speech in context