Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when urgent placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8666/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when one on one precision teaching will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8667/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of the enrolment of a pupil in the centre in question is a matter for the Board of Management of the centre.

I understand from enquiries that I have made, that the child in question is currently attending the ASD unit attached to the school referred to by the Deputy. While my Department does support the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use, we do not accept — based on research, advice and best practice — that it should be the only intervention available. It is important that children have access to a range of approaches so that their broader needs can be met.

I understand from enquiries that the child in question is currently attending a special class. At primary level, in classes such as the one this child is attending, there is a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants (SNAs). An individual child can have access to full-time support from an individual SNA if he or she needs one. In such situations, the school authorities should consult with their local Special Educational Needs Organiser.