Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 192 and 195 of 6 May 2014, the way the Teaching Council defines the minimum course content required to enable primary school teachers effectively to teach children who have received a diagnosis of autism in autism-specific classes. [22250/14]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 192 and 195 of 6 May 2014, if he will provide the list of evidence-based research to which he makes reference regarding his Department’s decisions on a range of matters including pedagogy, school curriculum, special educational needs and child development. [22251/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

Since 2006 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory responsibility and authority for the teaching profession including accreditation of teaching qualifications and the registration of teachers. Providers of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) are responsible for content and development of their programmes. Providers must have regard to the Criteria and Guidelines published by the Teaching Council. All ITE Programmes are reviewed by the Council in accordance with the Criteria, so that graduates may teach in all primary schools.

As the Deputy is aware, the development of policy on the programmes, interventions and supports for children in education is a continuous and dynamic process. In making policy decisions my Department takes account of advice, research and information from a range of sources including from bodies under its aegis. In general, policy on curriculum and other matters is published by the Department along with relevant references to research and other inputs to policy making. Relevant publications are available on the websites of the Department and relevant aegis bodies. Various Department announcements and replies to PQs may also help. A definitive list along the lines requested is not available.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 193 and 194 of 06 May 2014, wherein he stated that it is not the practice of his Department to issue a circular on each approach used in the classroom setting, the reason his Department considers this appropriate in view of the fact that further training in the mentioned approaches are not mandatory for teachers in autism-specific classes. [22252/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware my Department's position is that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs and my Department's policy is to promote a child-centred approach to the education of children with special education including autism. It is a matter for schools to determine the approach or mix of approaches which they will use in each individual case. The approach towards each child's education should be based on the individual educational needs of the child and should have regard to the child's individual education plan and supporting professional reports, etc. and should require the interaction of all school personnel involved in the provision of education to the child.

The fact that further training in the mentioned approaches is not mandatory for teachers in Autism Specific Classes is not a reason which would necessitate the issue of a circular on each approach used in a classroom setting.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 193 and 194 of 06 May 2014, if he will confirm that there is not one person or organisation with the responsibility for the implementation of ABA in classrooms. [22253/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The position which was outlined in the response to Parliamentary Question numbers 193 and 194 on 6th May 2014 remains unchanged.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 196 and 197 of 06 May 2014, if he will provide further details of the appropriate departmental circulars and guidelines to which he made reference in his reply. [22254/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As previously advised relevant circulars and guidelines are available on the website of my Department on www.education.ie. It is a matter for individual schools to decide for themselves the approaches which they may take in supporting children with special educational needs and accordingly it is a matter for schools to decide which of the circulars/guidance material will be of greatest assistance to them.