Written answers

Wednesday, 13 February 2008

Department of Education and Science

Special Educational Needs

9:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 357: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases for review that have been taken by the National Council for Special Education to date arising from a request by parents following assessment of their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5642/08]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 358: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number, in respect of the Special Education Appeals Board, of meetings held by the board since its inaugural meeting; the number of cases examined by the board to date; the number of cases waiting for decision; the relevant sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 that remain to be commenced to enable appeals to be undertaken by the Special Education Appeals Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5643/08]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 359: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases where the National Council for Special Education has overturned or changed a decision taken by a special education needs organiser in relation to the assessment needs of a child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5644/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 to 359, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 provides for an educational assessment for children with special educational needs and the entitlement to an education plan to meet those needs. As the Deputy will also be aware, many sections of the Act have already commenced and, as I have previously indicated, it is my view that the full commencement of the Act will require the five year implementation period provided for in the legislation. The significant progress that continues to be made to establish the foundations for the full implementation of the Act should be acknowledged. In particular, the appointment of the inaugural Special Education Appeals Board which I formally established in April 2007 under Section 36 of the Act.

The Board has not heard appeals to date and no appeals decisions are pending as the sections of the Act that provide for assessment and education planning and the associated appeals provisions have not yet been commenced. However, the appointment of the Special Education Appeals Board from an early stage will ensure that appropriate appellant structures and processes are in place to hear appeals once the relevant sections of the EPSEN Act are commenced. The Board comprises a Chairperson and two ordinary members, all of whom have a special interest in, or knowledge of, education and in particular the education of persons with special educational needs.

The Board is continuing to identify the resources and processes it will need to put in place to ensure that it will be ready to fulfil its role once the relevant sections of the Act are commenced. Information in relation to review decisions made by the National Council for Special Education has been requested from the Council and I will forward it to the Deputy directly on receipt.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.