Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
451. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, including the way in which it intends to enable a right to educational supports for children with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as announced in December 2021, I have sought a review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004, which provides for the education of children aged under 18 years with special educational needs. The EPSEN Act 2004, is now in place for more than 18 years and there have been many significant changes and developments to policy relating to the education of children with special needs in that time. The purpose of the review is to ensure that legislation on education for students with additional needs is up-to-date, fully operational, and reflective of the lived experiences of students and families.A number of steps have been taken by my Department in relation to this important review of legislation. Establishment of a Steering Group, Working Group and Advisory Group have been completed and all the groups have had multiple engagements. A full stakeholder engagement took place on the 21st June last, to discuss concerns and proposals in relation to this review, which was very positive. A large amount of work has occurred over the summer months to prepare categories of public surveys and a consultation paper to inform members of the public of the review. It is intended to launch the public survey within the coming weeks. Focus groups will be organised at the conclusion of the public survey to explore key themes that arise as result of the survey analysis. In depth engagement has also occurred with the NCSE in relation to specific research that will assist with this review. Open collaboration and consultation are at the heart of the review and all stakeholders are being invited to engage with the process.I wish to reassure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensure that every child receives an education to help him/her achieve his/her potential. To this end, the state has made very significant investment in a range of education supports for these children. The state has also put in place a comprehensive legislative framework to protect and support the educational rights of these children and their families.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the purpose of the review is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative basis for the educational provision, both current and planned, for children with special educational needs in order to protect the interests of the children concerned and their families and those of the state.
