Former minister for education Mary O'Rourke has called for the removal of "whatever lingering animosity" and "blockage" there is to the "full-blooded provision" of applied behavioural analysis (ABA) within the Department of Education and Science.
The Government backbencher (FF, Longford-Westmeath) was cheered and applauded by the families of children with autism, who packed the Dáil public gallery as well as an overflow room for the debate on a Fine Gael Private Members' motion criticising the Government's performance in provision of such services.
As expected, the Government defeated the Opposition motion by 75 votes to 66.
Ms O'Rourke said, "it is my feeling that there is a lingering animosity and a sort of a blockage at some level within the Department of Education against the full-blooded provision of ABA".
"The provision of ABA should become an essential feature" of the spectrum of provision, she said.
Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes, who introduced the motion, called for flexibility in accepting a range of options for autistic children. He said the situation was not helped by the "belligerent, authoritarian attitude" of Minister for Education Mary Hanafin.
He said she took the view that it was "my way or no way". He added that "the lady is not for turning" so people should not bother with her and go instead to the Taoiseach.
Margaret Conlon (FF, Cavan-Monaghan) a member of the education committee, was also cheered when she spoke of visits to two schools where the Department of Education was providing for children with special needs.
She said the children were able to attend mainstream classes when it was in line with their abilities. "These children were given the opportunity to be the best that they can be." They could "develop a sense of independence and this was very evident when they played their tin whistles as a group and as individuals".
Finian McGrath (Ind, Dublin North-Central) said his agreement to support the Government included €50 million extra to disability services and €18 million to special education needs, announced in the Budget.
He said children with special needs and their families needed to be supported. "But we also need to be straight with them. I support a broad range of methods in relation to autism, including ABA."
Andrew Doyle (FG, Wicklow) said that a special school in his constituency providing ABA was at risk of closure because the department would no longer pay for supports for children who were not yet ready for mainstream education.
The Minister had made integration a matter of principle, but he said the mistaken view was that "because no one method can meet every child's needs no one method can meet any child's needs".
