Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

A number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act have been commenced. However, in light of the very difficult economic position and significant costs involved, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of the Act.

The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, had suggested that additional investment over a period of years of up to €235 million per annum, across the education and health sectors, would be required to fully implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. My Department's opinion is that the level of investment required could be greater.

The NCSE recently provided comprehensive policy advice to my Department on how the education system can best support children with special needs. This advice will guide the preparation of a plan on how aspects of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act can be implemented, including prioritising access to an individual education plan, and developing a new resource allocation model for schools.

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