Autism Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Questions (247)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

247. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 2 April 2014, in view of his response that he was satisfied the special education support service, SESS, is making appropriate provision to support teachers and schools in this area, if he will provide details of the person who specifically gave him the advice that satisfied him about this situation, whereby it is the teacher who decides whether to undergo training in ABA; if his attention has been drawn to the fact the ABA courses run by the SESS are of only five days' duration; if he will confirm his Department has not issued a circular on the use of ABA within autism spectrum disorder, ASD, units and that there is no external supervision of the use of ABA within ASD units by an appropriately qualified board certified behaviour analyst, BCBA; and if his attention has been drawn to his officials not having consulted the division of behaviour analysis about the use and supervision of ABA within ASD units. [17765/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Under the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory regulatory authority for the professional registration of teachers. The Council sets standards of entry to the profession and accredits initial teacher education programmes. I am satisfied that primary teachers are qualified to teach in a wide range of school environments including autism units.

In the Education (Amendment) Act 2012, the Teaching Council Act 2001 was amended to enable the Council to regulate for conditions for renewal of teacher registration including attendance at programmes of continuing education and training. When Section 39 is commenced, the Council will have authority to review and accredit programmes providing continuing training and professional development for teachers. As the Deputy is aware, my Department currently provides for a comprehensive system of continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in the area of special educational needs.

The Special Education Support Service (SESS) provides evidence based support for teachers of pupils across a wide range of special educational needs including ASD having regard to best practice. A range of specialist programmes are available nationally.

I am aware of the nature and duration of these courses. Funding is also made available through the SESS support scheme enabling teachers to identify their own CPD needs and attend appropriate and relevant courses not provided directly by SESS. This funding is not limited to any specific course of any duration.

As outlined in my previous response I am satisfied that the SESS are making appropriate provision to support teachers and schools in this area. I should also point out that SESS is a support service for teachers and is not involved in the supervision of the implementation of ABA. There is no circular on the use of ABA in autism classes. I previously advised the Deputy that the SESS has not consulted with the Division of Behaviour Analysis in this regard.