Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 575: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when he will publish the proposed multi-annual plan for the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, as committed to in the renewed programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36725/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the commitment in the renewed programme for Government is to develop, in consultation with stakeholders, a costed multi-annual plan to implement some priority aspects of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, focusing on measurable, practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs. It is not possible to give a timeframe for publication at present, given that the processes involved will require discussions with the education partners as well as the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children. I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to allocate teaching and special needs assistant resources in line with my Department's policy to enable schools support pupils with special educational needs.