John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No 138 of 19 April 2011, if he has now considered in full a proposal from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18455/11]

Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will be meeting or has met with representatives of the proposed ABA academy for children with Autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18764/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 240 together.

I have asked that my officials arrange a meeting with representatives of the centre in question, which I hope will take place later this week.

My Department has taken a decision not to provide funding to support the centre referred to by the Deputies as the proposal submitted was not in line with my Department's policy on educational provision for children with autism.

As the Deputies are aware my Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children, including those 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 with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils.

As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met. My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.