Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on publishing a plan for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11029/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that a number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have already been commenced.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) made recommendations which suggested that additional investment over a period of years of up to €235m per annum, across the education and health sectors, would be required to fully implement the EPSEN Act. My Department's opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.

In the light of the very difficult economic situation, and these significant costs, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN.

Given the costs involved and current fiscal constraints, addressing this issue will be very challenging. I will be considering how we can develop a plan to implement the objectives of the EPSEN Act so as to deliver improved educational outcomes for students with special needs.

Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 208.