Autism Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Ceisteanna (206)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

206. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 193 and 194 of 6 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]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

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.