Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied), an ABA school in County Galway had to secure funding through the court in 2002, and the budget for this school has been reduced on a yearly basis; the further reason each child is offered less than in 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5929/08]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) was established in 2002 as a consequence of a court hearing costing the Government €2.2 million defending the case; the reason her Department does not support the school with proper buildings and facilities; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the school is forced to work from two domestic dwellings 5 km apart from each other; when her Department will provide proper facilities for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5930/08]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a centre (details supplied) in County Galway can qualify for capital funding to develop the urgently needed and purpose built premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5933/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 198 and 201 together.

I would like to advise the Deputy that a pilot scheme funded directly through my Department has facilitated the establishment of a number of stand-alone autism units using the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) methodology. The unit referred to by the Deputy is being funded through this scheme.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. These discussions include the issue of capital funding. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that discussions on this matter are progressing. My Department is currently in discussions with the centre in question concerning its budget allocation for this financial year. My Department does not comment on the legal costs associated with individual cases.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason ABA tutors, teachers and special needs assistant workers are not entitled to pensions and proper sick pay schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5931/08]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the affirmation of ongoing State support for the 12 existing ABA centres, she will confirm that it is in order for those centres to accept additional pupils in 2008 and to expand to meet the demands of children and families who have applied for placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5932/08]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that pupils who so require services can avail of the full ABA programme up to 18 years in the 12 ABA centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5934/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 199, 200 and 202 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with special needs 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 children have access to a range of methods so their broader needs can be met.

In excess of 275 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level by my Department in conjunction with National Council for Special Education (NCSE), while more are being set up as required. At primary level there are a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants. Extra assistants are provided where the children need them on a case by case basis.

My Department is currently funding a number of ABA pilot schemes which was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. The Deputy will be aware that the pilot programme was established in the absence of the network of special classes that is now in our schools and will not be expanded. 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. However, now that a national network of special classes is available, the existing ABA centres will not be expanded under the current arrangements. We are determined instead to ensure that each child has access to the autism-specific education that is now being made available to schools throughout the country.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot programme 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 and my Department officials have met with the IAA on several occasions to progress this matter. While these discussions are ongoing, my Department will not fund any expansion in the number of children attending the centres. Special Schools cater for children up until they are 18 years of age.

I would also like to advise the Deputy that it is a mandatory requirement for all teachers and special needs assistants who are employed in schools recognised by my Department to participate in the State's pension scheme. The issue of pensionability has been raised by the trade union representing staff in ABA centres that form part of the pilot scheme. These issues are the subject of ongoing discussions in the context of the commitment given in the Programme for Government.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 197.

Question No. 202 answered with Question No. 199.