The special meeting had been requested by An Taoiseach after a survey revealed that a majority of Fianna Fail backbenchers - including former Fianna Fail Minister for Education Mary O'Rourke - felt that Minister Hanafin was not doing enough to make ABA education more widely available to children who needed it.

At the meeting, however, Ms Hanafin refused to bow under pressure to amend her views on this vexed issue. She restated her position that ABA education would be provided as part of the wider curriculum within mainstream primary schools rather than in stand-alone dedicated units.

While the meeting had some tense exchanges, deputies said they had received assurances from Ms Hanafin that her department would support and expand ABA education, albeit within the existing primary school structure.

They were also assured of support for other autism services with proven results, and were told negotiations with campaign group, Irish Autism Action, on the evaluation and funding of 12 pilot ABA schools were continuing.

Despite the Minister's refusal to give way, deputies claimed the meeting had been constructive.

“The priority is to get those negotiations concluded but I would be happier with the pace of progress now,” said Mayo deputy Dara Calleary.

Discussion also took place around the provision of other essential support services for children with autism. Deputies were told of problems providing speech and therapy through the Department of Education, as therapists employed through this department are on leave during the summer.

Those recruited through the Health Service Executive are available all year round, but a recruitment freeze has been imposed by the HSE. (Source: Irish Examiner)