Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. While the EPSEN Act 2004 remains the milestone in the provision of statutory rights for children with special educational needs, there is a significant number of sections within the Act that have yet to be commenced, particularly on individual education plans.

I point out to the Minister that the programme for Government committed to publishing a plan for the implementation of the EPSEN Act. It stated:

We will publish a plan for the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 to prioritise access for children with special needs to an individual education plan. The priority will be to move to a system where necessary supports follow a child from primary to second level and to achieve greater integration of special needs-related services.

Today, an article in The Irish Times highlighted concerns that have been expressed by a number of autism groups that a growing number of children with special educational needs are being made to fit services not appropriate to them. Many parents are being left with little choice but to accept whatever places are available even if they do not meet their child's specific assessed needs. Can the Minister give us the timeframe within which he expects to achieve the programme for Government commitment to introduce the implementation plan?

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