Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I do not have the slightest problem with Fianna Fáil Party members meeting Ministers. The issue is whether new information is available of which we all need to be made aware. I want to know what those attending the meeting were told about the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. Having discussed this issue several weeks ago, Senators are no wiser about when the legislation will be commenced.

On the current debate on autism and the ABA approach, while many parents believe ABA is a magic wand for addressing the requirements of their autistic children, this may not necessarily be the case. A full debate is needed on the issue.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act must be commenced as soon as possible. Parents are involved immediately when a child's assessment takes place, the psychological report is drawn up and resources are planned. They know from the beginning what their child may need. Without being critical of parents, many of them have observed that ABA systems work perfectly for some children with autism. However, they may not work for all children with the condition and it is possible that people are being misled in this debate because it has focused on ABA rather than autism and the wider issue of the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. As I have stated previously, until this legislation is commenced, parents and professionals will not know what are the real needs of children with special needs. It is appalling that the legislation has not yet been implemented.