Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

In amendment No. 102, I propose that a deadline for the preparation of a plan by the council or health board should be included. These plans must accommodate children with more complex needs and this will take more time. Therefore, I propose a time limit of one month in which to commence a plan and a further two months for its completion. The one month suggested by the Deputy is not feasible in this case.

I do not believe amendment No. 100 is necessary. Principals must request the council to prepare an education plan when one cannot be prepared by the school. Equally, under section 5(8), a health board must make available the statement of findings to anyone involved in the education of the child to ensure they are informed of the child's educational needs. I do not believe this amendment adds anything to this situation.

Having thought a little more about amendment No. 101 since Committee Stage, when we had a good discussion on it, I believe that to accept it would create an unnecessary and an unhelpful duplication. It would have the effect of requiring the special education council to prepare an education plan where one is in train or has already been completed by the school. Therefore, I do not intend to accept these amendments.

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