Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the autistic children who attend a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will continue to have their necessary educational provision assured in future, with particular regard to the provision of applied behaviour analysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36553/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The Department is committed to ensuring that all children with autism 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 may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum.

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 Patrons to manage the transitional process from centre to special school. 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.