Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take regarding a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34991/07]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 407: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [34992/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 407 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who have received additional training in autism, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that teachers can draw from a range of interventions, including ABA, so their pupils' broader needs can be met.

In excess of 275 autism-specific classes have now been sanctioned around the country, including North Dublin, by my Department in conjunction with National Council Special Education (NCSE). The NCSE will sanction additional classes as required. These classes are funded in respect of teacher and special needs assistant salaries and receive grants for equipment and significantly enhanced rates of capitation. In addition, my Department has invested significantly in the provision of autism-specific training courses for teachers of these classes.

I am aware that the facility in question has sought inclusion in an expanded pilot scheme which funds a number of facilities for children with autism. This scheme was established in the absence of a network of school-based special classes for children with autism. The Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the 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.

A representative of the Achieve facility attends the discussions in relation to the Programme for Government commitment and is fully familiar with my Department's position in relation to Achieve's application.