Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

This structure is a step forward. In my teaching role I tried to implement such a system; sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not. At least there is now an appeals system. I ask the Minister to push this matter as much as possible and I know it will be completed by 2010. Pressure must be exerted in this area because we need the appeals system and parent consultation.

I am delighted the system is being decentralised to allow local areas and communities become involved. People have choices that include tuition at home, mainstream education and mainstream education with special classes. This is a big step forward and I would love to still work in education and deal with this area because it could work very well.

Training is now done in teacher training colleges but not every teacher will be good at this type of education just as not every teacher can teach maths. I am a guidance counsellor and perhaps many of us, including myself, would not be good in such a role. We must be careful in selecting teachers who have the concentration to deal with this subject.

Applied behavioural analysis, ABA, is a very good approach and I have spoken to people that use it. The Minister has not said she is against ABA but there are many types of intervention and it is important that we keep them in mind when dealing with given situations. The jury is out and more research is needed; I could return to this subject in three years and reject everything I said today due to new ideas that have circulated.