John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

During a recent debate on education, I called on the Minister for Education and Science to evaluate the ABA approach to autism and contrast it to the eclectic approach, which appears to be the policy choice of her Department. To date, the Department has not brought forward any evidence in respect of the eclectic approach on which it is basing its educational policy. International research on the ABA approach is readily available. If we are putting forward policy relating to children who suffer from autism, it is imperative that we should do so based on the best scientific approach available. I ask the Leader to urge the Minister to make available the research and the report on which her Department's approach to autism is based. This is a serious issue and, in the interests of children's rights, we must get matters relating to it right.

I wish to refer to Senator Brian Hayes's comments. I would welcome a debate on the matter he raised. It must be remembered, however, that the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform set about reforming the Garda Síochána through the mechanism of the 2005 legislation. The appointment of Kathleen O'Toole came about as a result of a commitment of the Tánaiste to modernise An Garda Síochána in order to ensure that best international practice obtains. On the issue of equipment, we should acknowledge the €1.4 billion budget that has been made available to An Garda Síochána, the roll-out of the new digital radio system, the introduction of new firearms legislation, relating to the use of non-lethal weapons, that was approved by Cabinet yesterday, the replacement of vehicles in the Garda fleet over a two-year period——