Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

588 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent task force report on autism, which advocates provision for early intervention using applied behaviour analysis, ABA, makes no recommendations for standards of appropriate training in ABA; if he will be consulting with local ABA professionals with a view to setting up training courses that meet internationally recognised standards for the treatment of autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7706/02]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

589 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the applied behaviour analysis professionals here are concerned that the task force on autism did not include suitably qualified members in ABA treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7707/02]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

590 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the relevant criteria for professional ABA training, bearing in mind the international standards identified by the Association for Behaviour Analysis International; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7708/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 588 to 590, inclusive, together.

The task force on autism recommended the adoption of a range of models for early intervention, including the applied behavioural analysis approach. The fundamental criterion identified by the task force is that the model of provision adopted should be that which is most appropriate to the assessed needs of the child at the time of the intervention and that responses should be capable of being adjusted in line with the child's evolving needs.

The experience and expertise of the members of the task force, coupled with the presentations they received from a range of experts and the more than 100 submissions received from interested parties, ensured that the task force was in a position to make fully informed judgments on the range of issues involved, including issues relating to applied behavioural analysis.

While the report of the task force is being considered in my Department, it is fully recognised that the applied behavioural analysis method will be one of a range of approaches which will be required to be made available and in respect of which the staff involved will require the necessary specialist training. My Department's in-career development unit is considering how the necessary specialist training inputs can best be delivered and has a number of initiatives in place. It will continue to have full regard to best international practice and locally available expertise in developing the necessary training programmes.

Brian Hayes

Question:

591 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department has taken to provide a person (details supplied) in County Dublin with an appropriate local school; if an appropriate teaching environment is not provided for this person, if he will confirm that home tuition will be provided from September 2002 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7721/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department approved ten hours home tuition per week for the pupil in question on 30 October 2001 until the end of the 2001-02 school year. Arrangements will be made to extend this provision in the event of a suitable school placement not being arranged in advance of that time. I am arranging for my Department's inspectorate to contact the parents of the child in question to discuss possible arrangements for the placement of the child in an appropriate school setting.