Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the EPSEN Act 2004 will be implemented in full; when the aspects dealing with rights to assessments, provision of services and of individual education plans, independent appeals process, decisions, role and duties of the Health Service Executive and schools will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47428/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A number of sections of the EPSEN Act have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special educational needs. However, full implementation of the Act has been deferred pending an upturn in economic conditions.

The renewed programme for Government re-stated the Government's commitment to the full implementation of EPSEN and committed to the development, in consultation with stakeholders, of a costed multi-annual plan, to plan for the implementation of EPSEN focussing on measurable, practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs.

Discussions have commenced between the Department of Education and Skills, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children to further the implementation of this commitment. Pending the outcome of these considerations, it is not possible to say when individual outstanding aspects of the act will be commenced.

Each non-commenced part of the EPSEN legislation is being considered. However, commencement of individual aspects of the EPSEN legislation in isolation is difficult, as many aspects of the act are interlinked and therefore interdependent.

In the meantime, children with special education needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs and the National Council for Special Education will continue to support schools, parents and children and teachers and provide for resources to be deployed to schools, in line with my Departments policies.