Autistic school issue not about funding, says Hanafin

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin has responded to criticism from campaigners for autistic ABA schools by saying the issue has “never been about funding”, amid claims from Labour that it would cost just €5 million a year to run the facilities on a permanent basis.

In yesterday’s Irish Examiner it was revealed there are now 327 children — all aged under seven — on the waiting list for 12 Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) schools.

Campaign groups such as Irish Autism Action had said the growing waiting list showed a desire by parents for ABA schooling, although the department and the minister have expressed support for an “eclectic approach”, which comprises elements of ABA tuition but also other forms of autistic teaching management, including mainstream schools.