Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
468. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has discussed the issue of special needs education policy with his counterparts at EU level in terms of Council of Minister meetings or informal meetings; if so, if he will provide an overview of such discussions and any conclusions arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17183/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that interaction with our European counterparts in relation to the development of policy for pupils with special educational needs is ongoing. For example, my Department subscribed in 1994 to the Salamanca Statement endorsing the principle of all children's fundamental right to education, acknowledging that education systems should be designed to accommodate each child's unique characteristics, interests, abilities and learning needs. These principles were further endorsed by the Council of Europe's Political Declaration in 2003 and its Action Plan in 2006, and more recently in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Ireland's participation in these organisations has contributed to the putting in place of structural and legislative frameworks to govern the provision of education for children with special educational needs, the development of an inclusive education system which is designed to meet their needs, and enhanced levels of provision for children with special educational needs at the various stages of the education system.
Ireland continues to engage in dialogue with national governments through its involvement in international organisations such as the European Community and the United Nations. I can confirm that my Department will continue to take account of international developments in special education and to liaise with our partners in the EU in the development policy in respect of provision for pupils with special educational needs.
