Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if special needs teaching and support in this country compares with best practice in other European jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13452/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the teaching and supports provided for schools for pupils with special educational needs in this country compare favourably with the practices in other jurisdictions, including European jurisdictions. In responding to the needs of pupils with special educational needs, my Department implements a range of supports in schools which continue to be reviewed in consultation with the colleges of education, universities, research centres, parents groups, teacher unions and other partners in the education process.

This approach will be complemented by the newly established National Council for Special Education, the functions of which are to carry out research and provide expert advice for the Minister for Education and Science on the educational needs of children with disabilities and the provision of related services, to provide a range of services at local and national level in order that the educational needs of children with disabilities are identified and provided for and to co-ordinate with health authorities, schools and other relevant bodies in the provision of education and related support services for children with disabilities.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 establishes a new framework for the assessment of and provision for children with special educational needs and sets out a range of services which must be provided, including assessments, education plans and support services. The issue of meeting the needs of children with special educational needs will continue to be a priority for me.