Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From my understanding it is one of a range of interventions, and special schools or special classes will choose from that range. ABA informs all teaching in special schools and classes. Some schools came from a specific ABA background and there were 13 centres which were set up as private ABA pilots. Subsequently they were integrated as special schools within the Department of Education and Skills. They are part of the range of services available. Depending on the teacher and the appropriateness of the intervention, schools draw on different skills and methods. The Department does not say that ABA should be the sole method. It is a range. In years gone by there was quite a controversy, as some people argued that it should have been ABA only. The Department's view is ABA is one of a range of interventions that can be successful. As I understand it, they are applied and they draw on ABA where it is appropriate.

See this speech in context