Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 to obtain a place soon in the CABAS school, Kilbarrack, Dublin 17. [13144/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders receive education appropriate to their needs.

CABAS Kilbarrack is one of eight stand-alone applied behavioural analysis, ABA, specific facilities that are currently being funded by my Department, catering for a total of 151 children on the autistic spectrum. The approach of ABA in the education of children on the autistic spectrum provides for the input of one to one and sometimes two to one pupil-teacher ratio tuition. To this end, my Department funds these facilities by providing an allocation to enable each child in the facility to access the services of a tutor.

I understand from my officials that the child in question is currently attending a Montessori school. I can confirm that the pupil is on a waiting list for CABAS, Kilbarrack. Applications for enrolment in the CABAS unit are a matter for the management authorities of this facility.