Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Next week marks 18 years since Mary McAleese, in her first term in office as President, signed the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, EPSEN, into law in this country. That was on 19 July 2004. It was brought into law because the Government at the time acknowledged the failings in supporting our most vulnerable children. Successive Governments have failed to commence the Act fully, meaning a failure of support for our children. This year is no different as we see continued failure in appropriate planning and placement. It is remarkable to have 18 years of failure. We are now at a stage of organising a review of EPSEN. Is there any point at which the Government will issue an apology for this 18 years of failure?

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