Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if proposals for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 have been completed. [20421/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education was required under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 to make a report on the implementation of the Act. Following consideration of the issues raised in the Council's implementation plan, and the consultations to date with the Education Partners, it is envisaged that the five year timeframe to 2010 acknowledged in the legislation is the appropriate period in which to implement the provisions of the Act in full.

My Department is now at an advanced stage in finalising proposals on this basis to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections of the Act, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans. The time taken to finalise proposals reflects the complexities involved, the need for consultation across the wide range of people and sectors involved, the need to align with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005 and define how the Health Service Executive (HSE) and NCSE will work together under both acts.

As the EPSEN Act does not provide for phased commencement by age cohort the education sector must be in a position to provide the required services to all children before the relevant provisions are commenced. My Department's priority, therefore, is to ensure that the necessary training, guidance and supports are in place to facilitate the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act. As the Deputy will be aware, during this necessary period of preparation for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs across the schools network, through the work of the National Council for Special Education.