Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Two weeks ago at the working group of committee Chairmen, I raised with the Taoiseach the issue of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs, EPSEN, Act 2004. As all Members know, many aspects of the Act have not been implemented. It was introduced to ensure that every child assessed with a special educational need would have a personal education plan. To be fair, at the time the National Council for Special Education published guidelines and a phased implementation plan. However, the relevant sections have not been enacted. When will it be implemented? As I discussed with the Taoiseach, if there is a need for a review - which I believe there is and the Taoiseach also intimated there is - when is it likely to take place? There are so many children, parents, families and teachers who need a personal education plan for the young children in their care.

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