Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, when first introduced, envisaged a five-year implementation period. The report from the council on its studies and recommendations also outlined that it needed further work and analysis and further discussion with the partners. For this reason I will stick with what was originally in the legislation because we cannot move more speedily if the schools are not ready for it. However, key elements have already been introduced. The National Council for Special Education has been established, as has the inclusive approach in schools. A total of 17,000 adults work in schools with young people with special educational needs. This includes a total of 6,500 teachers instead of the previous 1,500 teachers and a total of 8,800 special needs assistants instead of the previous 300. The sole duty of these 17,000 adults is to work with young people with special educational needs.

The Special Education Appeals Board has been established. The cross-sectoral group which includes different Departments has been established. The individual education plan guidelines have been issued to schools and many had already been following these guidelines as part of best practice in schools. The standards for assessment and the work which will be undertaken by HIQA in overseeing these assessments have begun. The council is also developing a database.

I draw the attention of the House to the funding of €900 million this year. I do not think anybody can question the commitment to the education for young people with special needs.

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