Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
85. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to commence the remaining sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; his further plans to commence section 13 and the sections relating to the introduction of a personal education plan for each student with special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43044/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that a number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have already been commenced.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) made recommendations which 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 opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.
In the light of the very difficult economic situation, and these significant costs, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN.
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.
In the interim, in relation to individual education plans, schools are encouraged to use individual education plans through policy guidance, support, and training. My Department's Learning Support Guidelines, which are available at www.education.ie, recommend that an individual profile and learning programme should be devised for all children who are receiving supplementary teaching from a learning-support teacher.
