Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 778: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the negotiations between his Department and a body (details supplied) in relation to applied behavioural analysis schools; if these negotiations have now been merged into another set of negotiations between his Department and a trade union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12982/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the 2007/2012 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 them to be supported as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that broad agreement has been reached on the core conditions to enable these centres to be recognised as special schools for children with autism and applications have been received for special school recognition from the centres in question. These schools, once recognised, will provide education for children with autism in line with my Department's policy. Detailed modalities relating to the transfer of staff are under consideration and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in this regard.