Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this question because it is a good report. It is a comprehensive review of the SNA scheme and the Government has noted the contents of the report. In response to the report, I have undertaken to develop proposals for the implementation of the recommendations and to return to Government, following engagement with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Health, with a proposed implementation plan to include a governance and accountability framework and detailed costings of proposals.

Work has commenced on a comprehensive mapping exercise to set out current levels, ranges and costs of all relevant existing supports available from both an education and a health perspective. In addition, work is under way to assess the costs associated with the implementation of any recommendations that subsequently may be approved by Government.

Work is also under way on the development of a new model for the allocation of resources to schools, as recommended by the NCSE. It is considered likely that the introduction of such a new model will need to be piloted in selected schools in order that the impact and effectiveness of the new model can be evaluated and understood before such a model is rolled out nationally. I expect to bring proposals for implementation of the review's recommendations to the Government in the coming months.

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