Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the date by which the National Council for Special Education will complete its major strategic review of special education. [30975/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a formal role under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 in advising me in relation to any matter relating to the education of children and others with disabilities.

I have asked the NCSE to provide me with comprehensive advice on how the educational system currently places and supports children with special educational needs in schools. This advice will include:- the identification and assessment of children with special needs- the nature of supports provided for children- the way in which supports are allocated to schools and - how these supports are configured.

This advice is expected early in 2013.

It is my intention that the significant resources to support children with Special Educational Needs are deployed to ensure the best possible outcomes for students. The advice will be a key input into achieving this goal.