Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I am fully aware of the need for early intervention in instances where children need particular assistance. As Deputy Jan O'Sullivan knows, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced in respect of children aged five to 18 in tandem with the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, commonly known as EPSEN.

Representatives of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science, as well as the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education, meet on a monthly basis to address these particular issues. As the Deputy is aware, the Act in respect of children under five commenced in June 2007.

See this speech in context