Hanafin faces FF backlash over autism education

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin was last night accused of a “lack of compassion” towards pupils with autism as she faced a showdown with Fianna Fáil backbenchers on the issue.

The crunch meeting is expected to see tension over the restricted use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in schools erupt again.

Ms Hanafin was thrown onto the defensive last month when former minister Mary O’Rourke accused the Department of Education of having a “blockage” when it came to helping autistic pupils.

With almost two thirds of FF backbenchers calling for ABA to be made more widely available, according to a Newstalk poll, Ms Hanafin is expected to come under pressure to change course at the party meeting.

Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes called on Fianna Fáil TDs to stand up to the minister.

“The minister seems determined to stick rigidly to the advice she has been given by her department, despite all the evidence to the contrary.

“It is a lack of compassion rather than a lack of understanding. ABA is something different and the department has trouble dealing with anything different.

“The Fianna Fáil backbenchers need to stand up to her over this,” he said.

Ms Hanafin tried to downplay the meeting, insisting it was just “routine”.

The minister said she was not going to change government policy because of concern among colleagues, “but I look forward to hearing their views”.