Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider issuing a moratorium on the changes proposed by applied behaviour analysis schools pending wider consultation and further assessment. [33607/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 343: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will carry out a full assessment of all applied behavioural analysis schools before proceeding further with the changes to education for children with autism which schools have been required to adopt; if she will ensure full consultation with schools and parents to ensure the best and most appropriate education for children with autism, recognising their varying needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33761/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 343 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the 2007 Programme for Government committed to the long-term funding for the centres 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.

Agreement on transitional arrangements for the pilot centres was reached following a long process of discussions and engagement with the representative body of the pilot centres. Each of the centres has now applied for special school status. I am pleased to advise you that I have been able to respond positively to applications and all, but one, of the centres have now been granted recognition as special schools for children with autism. The application from the remaining centre is currently being processed.

I fully appreciate that change in any organisation can cause concern and anxiety. This is particularly true when the organisation is a centre catering for children with special educational needs. However, I understand that each of the centres engaged with parents and staff before applying for special school status.

Managers have been appointed by the schools to manage the transitional process. As part of this process, my Department is arranging for training in a range of autism-specific interventions for the new Principals and Teachers once they have been appointed. In addition, training is being provided for the Managers and the new Boards of Management. It is my intention to continue to support the transitional process.

My Department's Inspectorate carried out an evaluation of educational provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders some years ago. A copy of this report is available on my Department's website www.education.gov.ie. Part of this review evaluated the centres funded under my Department's ABA Pilot Scheme.