Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
444. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the current status of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act; the provisions in this Act that have been implemented; the date of their enactment; the provisions in the Act that have yet to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16871/13]
View answer467. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish, in tabular form, a list of all provisions of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; the current status of these provisions in terms of whether they have been implemented, part implemented or not implemented; the projected cost of implementing each of the provisions which have not been implemented to date; if he will outline a time frame for the implementation of all sections of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17182/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 467 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that a significant number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special educational needs. Specifically, the following sections have been commenced - 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53. The remaining sections of the Act have yet to be commenced.
In light of the very difficult economic situation and the significant costs involved, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) had suggested that additional investment over a period of years of up to €235m per annum, across the education and health sectors, would be required to fully implement the EPSEN Act. My Department's view is that the level of investment required would now be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.
Given the costs involved and current fiscal constraints, addressing this issue will be very challenging. I will be considering how we can develop a plan to implement the objectives of the EPSEN Act so as to deliver improved educational outcomes for students with special needs.
The NCSE has been asked to provide comprehensive policy advice on how the education system can best support children with special educational needs. This advice will guide the preparation of a plan on how aspects of EPSEN can be implemented, including the prioritising of access to children with special needs to an individual education plan.
