David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for Education and Science with regard to the provisions in Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 dealing with assessment of need and statement of services, if the plan being drawn up by the National Council for Special Education regarding implementation of Part 2 in tandem with the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31096/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Section 23 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 provides that the National Council for Special Education must make a report to the Minister outlining the steps that must be taken in order that the provisions of the 2004 Act will be fully implemented within the period specified in the report. While there is a high degree of consistency and complementarity between the Special Needs Act and Part 2 of the Disability Act, and the Council is conferred with functions under both Acts, the report is required only to refer to the implementation of the 2004 Act.

The National Council has completed its deliberations and I have asked my officials to examine the report's recommendations and to work in close co-operation with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Services Executive in implementing the remaining provisions of the two Acts.