Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputies Pat Breen and Brian Hayes.

I speak as a member of the board of management of St. Catherine's Special National School, the umbrella school of which Barnacoyle in Wicklow is part. The Department insists that all autistic children can be educated in mainstream schools, though some children are better served in one to one classes that local schools cannot provide.

Despite the Minister's comments in the Dáil on choice for parents the special school for autistic children in Barnacoyle is under threat of closure because the Department of Education and Science will no longer pay for the support and education of autistic children not yet ready for mainstream education. Parents see the benefits of special schools that use the ABA approach in the behaviour of their children as these schools teach them in a less intensive learning environment than mainstream schools. No parents want their child to be in an ABA school because it is fashionable; every parent's aspiration is to send his or her child to a mainstream school. Some parents believe so strongly in the value of ABA education that they are willing to take on the Department of Education and Science in court and stake their time and home on the outcome.

Despite an award of €61,000 from the HSE for delays in diagnosis and the lack of appropriate therapies to assist their autistic child, the Ó Cuanacháins now face a possible bill of €2 million for their efforts to get an appropriate education for their son. The total legal costs of the case are estimated at between €5 million and €7 million and, ironically, this is the same amount of money that is estimated to be necessary to provide the 12 special schools that are no longer being funded by the Department with funding. Barnacoyle is one of these schools.

The four primary schools in Wicklow that have been earmarked to take the children from the Barnacoyle class are not equipped to support them. The children are doing very well at Barnacoyle using the ABA approach. These children need a one to one pupil-teacher ratio rather than a one to six ratio and 240 days of schooling rather than the 168 days provided in mainstream schools. The children in Barnacoyle are guaranteed the professional support needed to progress them to possible participation in a mainstream school. I find it puzzling that the Minister sees fit to acknowledge that 12 ABA schools provide a good, workable system but does not make the methodology available all over Ireland. It is recognised as a successful technique for some autistic children but it has been erroneously suggested that Fine Gael seeks the use of this methodology with all autistic children.

Why is it deemed necessary to close the additional 12 ABA schools, including Barnacoyle, when a great deal of voluntary effort and local funding from devoted parents and friends goes into them? Considerable expertise has been built up in these schools by all concerned and there have been tangible results for all of the children who have gone through the system. Why add the nightmarish burden of court proceedings as the only option open to parents when there should be an appeals mechanism? I heard last night that the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, EPSEN, will not be rolled out until the end of 2010. This is some time away for the 150 parents to follow the Ó Cuanacháins.

The Minister has made the issue of integration and education for all a matter of principle. We agree with this and feel it to be worthy, as do all parents. The crux of the matter is that a perception has been created that since no single method can meet every child's need no single method can meet any child's need. This is the only effective method of education for the Ó Cuanacháins' son and other children until they are taught how to learn. The Department of Education and Science maintains it is providing adequate curriculum supports for autistic children who are not yet ready for primary school. If, however, children cannot be supported in their local primary school, as Deputy McHugh pointed out, the only education choice available to parents is home tuition and this option deprives children with autism of an opportunity to mix with other children.

The Government's amendment notes its determination to "develop special schools as centres of excellence and outreach facilities". Barnacoyle school and the other ABA schools are centres of excellence. It also refers to allowing "for dual enrolment so that children can attend both a special school and a mainstream school as appropriate". This is news to the House. It is critical that the Government act on its commitment to improve access to assessment because children are waiting for two years for assessments.

I commend the Fine Gael Party motion to the House. It should be accepted by the Government.

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