Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

There must be approvals back and forth along with various reports and reports on those reports. The Senator asked that I take up the matter with the Minister.

Senator Minihan raised a very valuable point about applied behaviour analysis, ABA. We have all been struck by the issue, and particularly by the recent court case. We discussed it briefly, especially the ABA method of dealing with children with autism across the spectrum of the condition. The Senator indicated his wish for an evaluation and report of the method and he indicated the Department is using the eclectic method. The ABA method has given such hope to so many parents, as they can see their children advancing. Various reports indicate that having done a few years with ABA, students are going back into mainstream schooling.

I would welcome such an evaluation. It is a bit declamatory to argue that there should be no ABA, with the eclectic methods being used exclusively. There should be an evaluation. Of all the educational needs for children, those affected by the entire spectrum of this condition are very important. It can wreck or make a family, depending on whether the child with special needs can advance. I hope we will have such an evaluation.

Senator Minihan also praised the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This is the other side of the debate. There will be 16,000 gardaí serving before the Minister leaves office. I hope he will not be leaving office.