Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow who have submitted an application to her Department for full State recognition and appropriate funding for a centre of education for children in County Wicklow with autistic spectrum disorders; if she will ensure that children with autism in County Wicklow are treated equally to others and are given the same opportunities as the hundreds of children with autism attending the 12 ABA schools around the country; if their application will be sanctioned as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8567/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government considers that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. This view is informed by advice received from international experts on autism, the National Educational Psychological Service and the Inspectorate. An analysis of research — including the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism — supports this approach too, while 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 methods, including Applied Behavioural Analysis, the Government is doing what we are advised is in the best interests of such children.

The Department of Education and Science does support the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. However, the Department does not accept — based on research, advice and best practice — that it should be the only intervention used. It is important that children have access to a range of approaches so that their broader needs can be met.

Children in special classes have the benefit of fully-qualified teachers who are 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 improved dramatically 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.

There are now in excess of 275 autism-specific classes sanctioned around the country. A number of years ago, before this extensive network was in place, some centres were approved for funding under an ABA pilot programme. The Government is committed to long-term funding for these pilots subject to agreement on certain standards which will enable the Department support them as special schools for children with autism. Discussions have taken place with Irish Autism Action with a view to advancing this commitment as soon as possible.

Other centres, including the one referred to by the Deputy, sought to be funded under the pilot scheme. However, now that a national network of special classes is available, new centres will not be brought into the pilot programme. 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.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of eclectic units currently within mainstream primary schools that have been established by her Department; the average number of children in such units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8570/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the network of special classes for children with autism which have been established to provide an autism-specific child-centred education for enrolled pupils. Two hundred and seventy seven such classes have been sanctioned and each class can cater for up to 6 children with one teacher and a minimum of two special needs assistants.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the National Council of Special Education have undertaken an audit of special classes within mainstream primary schools to determine that the spread of such classes around the country is appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8571/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Special schools and classes have made a significant and key contribution to the education of children with special educational needs across the State. In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to continuing to expand the number of special classes to meet need. The NSCE will continue to make available a range of appropriate provision including special classes in various geographical areas as required.