FF to discuss education for autistic children in March

Senior members of Fianna Fáil are to hold a special meeting next month to discuss the controversial issue of ABA education for autistic children.

The issue was raised at a weekly meeting of the party's TDs and Senators in Leinster House last night.

They agreed to hold a special discussion on the matter next month.

The move comes amid apparent divisions within the party on the issue of ABA.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin insists that her department supports the provision of such education, but former minister Mary O'Rourke has claimed the department has a "lingering animosity" towards ABA.