Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the aspects of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 which are expected to be implemented in view of the revised programme for Government; the cost envisaged under this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37081/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, as per the revised programme for Government. [37106/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 128 together.

As the Deputies are 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, focussing on measurable, practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs.

It is not possible to give a timeframe or costs 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.