Written answers

Tuesday, 12 April 2005

Department of Education and Science

Special Educational Needs

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1017: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the extra facilities and funding for the Saplings project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11215/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Saplings facility in Kill, which is one of eight applied behavioural analysis specific facilities funded by my Department. The educational approach used at the Saplings project is based on the principles of applied behavioural analysis, ABA. This consists predominantly of one-to-one teaching. The ABA method is one of a range of models of approach to the education of children with autism. The ABA approach is based on understanding a set of behaviours, breaking down the components of the tasks involved in learning and the application of consequences to reduce-weaken or increase-strengthen a particular behaviour or set of behaviours. My Department allocated €1,149,192 to Saplings for the 2004-05 school year. An application by Saplings for additional facilities or funding will be considered in the normal manner by my Department.

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