Vol. 568 No. 1
151 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will initiate a comprehensive review under the auspices of the special education agency, with a view to ensuring a structured and properly supported approach for pupils with special educational needs in both mainstream and special school settings. [15511/03]
The proposed draft order to establish a national council for special education sets out three broad functions for the council; first, to carry out research and provide expert advice to the Minister on the educational needs of children with disabilities and the provision of related services; second, to provide for a range of services at local and national level in order that the educational needs of children with disabilities are identified and provided for; third, to co-ordinate the provision of educational and related support services to children with disabilities in consultation with health boards, schools and other relevant bodies. In practical terms, this will translate into the definition by the council, on foot of research that it conducts or commissions, of appropriate educational responses for categories of special need, along with assistance by the council in the delivery of educational services to individual children at ground level through its provision of information, co-ordination and facilitation services.
152 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to publish the education for persons with disabilities Bill; the principal ways in which it will differ from the previous Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15744/03]
As the Deputy is aware, I indicated my intention to widen the consultation process when the education for persons with disabilities Bill was restored to the legislative process and I encouraged all interested parties to participate in the ensuing consultative process.
As a result of this consultation process, 39 groups and individuals responded to the invitation for submissions on the Bill and 25 groups met officials of my Department for detailed discussions on their submissions. The new Bill will take into account the views which emerged from consultations with the various interest groups. This phase of consultation is now complete and I intend to bring the revised legislation to Government shortly. I anticipate it's publication before the end of the month.
My objective is to bring forward legislation which will: identify the special educational needs of children with disabilities and provide for an education appropriate to their needs as early as possible in their lives; ensure that parents have a central role in their child's education; provide for the planning for the child's future special education needs as an adult; and ensure that the various agencies involved in providing for special education and related support services are required to act within specified time limits.
I also propose that the legislation will build on and strengthen the structures set out in the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2002, especially the national council for special education and the special education appeals board. It will also be an objective for revised legislation that it will closely dovetail where necessary with legislation being prepared by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform relating to the broader issue of services for people with disabilities.
