Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 845: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the details including locations and number of the applications currently under consideration by her Department for inclusion in the ABA pilot scheme. [14472/07]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 846: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the study, report or research which informs her Department's view on the demand for education services for children with autism; and if she will provide a breakdown of that demand for special classes for children with autism attached to special and mainstream schools, for special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome, for pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum and for stand alone facilities providing an applied behavioural analysis specific methodology. [14473/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 845 and 846 together.

The Department's approach and policy is based on advice received from international experts on autism; NEPS; the Inspectorate; an analysis of research including that supplied by the IAA; and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism. Advice was sought from international experts on research provided by the Irish Autism Action group and other research on educational interventions for children with autistic spectrum disorders and it is clear that this research does not support the exclusive usage of ABA or indeed the exclusive use of any other approach, as a basis for national educational provision for ASD children. It is for this reason that the Department's preferred policy is for a child centred approach where the approach to be taken is based on the individual child's needs. It is also important to bear in mind that school-based provision is being put in place throughout the country that will be in a position to provide for future cohorts of children and respond to their individual needs. My Department remains willing to review and consider any further research as and when it becomes available.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs.

My Department's preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism, is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents. The role of the SENO includes the processing of applications from schools to establish special classes for autism. The NCSE will continue to establish classes for children with autism as and where required. My Department does not keep records in relation to the number of applications being processed by the NCSE.

In this regard the following specialist education classes for children on the autistic spectrum have been established across the country:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum;

14 Stand alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

My Department has received 11 applications from groups wishing to provide ABA-only intervention for children with autism as follows: 2 in Dublin, 1 in Limerick, 1 in Clare, 1 in Cork, 1 in Louth, 1 in Meath, 1 in Kerry, 1 in Mayo, 1 in Roscommon, 1 in Wicklow.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 847: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) will be provided with adequate educational facilities once they complete their current term at a school. [14488/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence from the school in question on behalf of this student and a response will issue to the school as quickly as possible.