Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the systematic literature review on educating persons with autistic spectrum disorders has not been published, in spite of the fact that, according to the tender document, it was due to be submitted by January 2014, and the findings were presented at the National Council for Special Education research conference six months ago. [18913/15]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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186. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that most of the best evidenced studies reviewed in a study (details supplied) were based on behavioural principles, as stated by Doctor Bond at the National Council for Special Education research conference. [18914/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.

As the Deputy may be aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is at an advanced stage in preparing policy advice on the education of children with autism.

The NCSE commissioned two separate pieces of research in the context of the policy advice. One is a systematic literature and country review of evidence relating to Educating Persons with Autism, and the second is an evaluation of current provision.

All NCSE commissioned research reports go through an extensive internal quality assurance process before being signed off by the Council. Reports then go through copy editing and design phases which take several more months. The NCSE has advised that it expects the literature review in question, the findings of which were presented at their research conference, to be published shortly. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of the study.

I expect that the NCSE final report on the policy advice, which is to be delivered shortly, will consider the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.