Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications by ABA schools for recognition within her Department; the number of ABA schools funded by her Department; the number of centres within the ABA pilot scheme; when she anticipates a decision on the pilot schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23196/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The scheme to which the Deputy refers is an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) pilot scheme which is funded by my Department. My Department has received 12 applications for inclusion in this scheme.

With regard to specific provision for children with autism, the Government believes that as each child with autism is unique; such children should have access to a range of different interventions to meet their individual needs. ABA is one of the methodologies used in special classes for children with autism.

Advice received from international experts on autism, the National Educational Psychological Service and the inspectorate inform the Department of Education and Science's view that a range of approaches should be used, rather than just one. An analysis of research, including the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism, also supports this approach, and autism societies in other countries also caution against relying on just one intervention. By enabling children in special classes to have access to a range of methodologies, including ABA, the Government is doing what we are advised is in the best interests of such children.

The use of ABA as part of the range of interventions is particularly useful for addressing behavioural issues. My Department therefore supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. It is important that children have access to a range of methods so their broader needs can be met. Whereas ABA helps to improve behaviour, other interventions, such as TEACCH and PECS, are important in developing children's communication skills.

Children in special classes have the benefit of fully-qualified teachers trained in educating and developing children generally and who have access to additional training in autism-specific approaches, including ABA. The level of such training available to teachers has significantly improved in recent years and is a major priority for the Government. Children in special classes also have the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration into mainstream classes and of interaction with other pupils.

In excess of 265 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level and the National Council for Special Education will continue to establish more such classes where the need arises. At primary level there are a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants (SNAs). Extra assistants are provided where the children need them. An individual child can have access to full-time support from an individual SNA if he or she needs one. The scheme referred to by the Deputy was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. She will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the twelve centres that are currently in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable the Department to support them as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that the issue is being actively progressed.

In terms of autism provision in other locations, we will continue to work to ensure that all children can have access to a broad programme, with provision for ABA as appropriate, in special classes.

Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason it has taken until now for a reply to be communicated to the principal of a school (details supplied) in relation to special educational needs resources; and if these 24 children are to be denied their special educational needs resources that they are legally entitled to. [23208/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. I understand that the National Council for Special Education received a number of applications for resource teaching support from the school referred to by the Deputy, the extent of which required further consideration in view of the level of resources already allocated to the school. The National Council for Special Education will liaise with the school in order to progress the matter.