Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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164. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of full implementation of the EPSEN Act. [37319/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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A number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have been commenced. However, in light of the very difficult economic situation and the significant costs involved, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) had 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 could be greater.

The NCSE recently provided comprehensive policy advice to my Department on how the education system can best support children with special needs. This advice will guide the preparation of a plan on how aspects of EPSEN can be implemented, including prioritising access to an individual education plan, and developing a new resource allocation model for schools.