Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I realise it costs much money to run these programmes but I listen to people in Wexford, particularly from St. Senan's primary school in Enniscorthy and Scoil Mhuire in Wexford, who say they are hurting because of cuts. The applied behavioural analysis education system involves analysing a child's skill levels and applying intensive one-to-one teaching, breaking down a whole task into small and achievable steps. It applies particular methods to each child's needs and regardless of age of the learner with autism, the goal of the intervention is to enable him or her to function as independently and successfully as possible in a variety of environments.

These people have already experienced cuts and they are afraid that the reviews of the National Council for Special Education, which are due soon, will leave them seen as being overly supported already with numbers. The truth on the ground is very different and the kids are regressing because they do not have the same support they once had. The notion that there will be further cuts in the next review is frightening for these people. I know there is an end to the money but these people deserve the attention.

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