My office received 2 letters from Professor Julian Leslie, Head of Research Graduate School and Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster and Chair, Division of Behaviour Analysis, Psychological Society of Ireland, dated 14th December 2011 and 18th May 2012. The first of these letters included no request for a meeting. In his second letter, Professor Leslie concluded by stating that 'Members of the division of Behaviour Analysis of the Psychological Society of Ireland remain available to discuss all and any of these issues'. While this may not constitute a formal request for a meeting, I regret that this was overlooked in the response to question 184 of 30th April 2014.
As I have already advised, the NCSE are currently preparing policy advice on the education of children with autism/autism spectrum disorder. Professor Leslie has acknowledged the appropriateness of this approach to the development of policy. I am advised by the NCSE that Professor Leslie was invited to present to a meeting of the National Council for Special Education on September 13th 2013. Professor Mickey Keenan, Professor of Behaviour Analysis, University of Ulster and Dr. Neil Martin, PhD, BCBA-D, Independent Education Consultant were also invited to present on the same date. These presentations formed part of the NCSE formal consultation process on the development of its policy advice on the education of children with autism/autism spectrum disorder.
Professor Julian Leslie was regrettably unable to attend on the day as he was out of the country. As none of his colleagues from the Division of Behaviour Analysis, PSI were available on that date, he indicated that he was happy for Dr Martin and Professor Keenan to put the case. Professor Leslie sent a note which he asked to be circulated to members for the meeting. Professors Keenan and Martin made the presentation on the day and Professor Leslie's note was circulated, as he requested.
The NCSE has also advised that it is their intention to formally invite the Psychological Society of Ireland to a meeting to hear any views it may wish to put forward. I am of the view that the approach being adopted by the NCSE in ensuring that it has heard the view of all stakeholders is the correct approach and that this will ensure that all views will receive a fair and balanced consideration. I look forward to receiving their report which I expect in the Spring of 2015.