Written answers

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Department of Education and Skills

Legislative Reviews

Photo of Gary GannonGary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

585. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, having regard to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 will be included in the review currently under way; if not, the reason for its exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32817/22]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm for the Deputy that responsibility for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act, 2004 (EPSEN) falls within my Department's remit, whereas responsibility for the implementation of the Disability Act 2005 is under the remit of my colleagues, The Minister for Health, and the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Nominees from both of these Departments are members of the Steering and Working Groups for the review of EPSEN. 

As announced in December 2021, I have sought a review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004, which provides for the education of children aged under 18 years with special educational needs. The EPSEN Act 2004, is now in place for more than 18 years and there have been many significant changes and developments to policy relating to the education of children with special needs in that time.  

The purpose of the review is to ensure that legislation on education for students with additional needs is up-to-date, fully operational, and reflective of the lived experiences of students and families.

A number of steps have been taken by my Department in relation to this important review of legislation. Establishment of a Steering Group, Working Group and Advisory Group have been completed and the all groups have held initial meetings. A full stakeholder engagement is occurring today (21st of June) to discuss concerns and proposals in relation to this review. Progress has been made in relation to a public survey and focus groups that shall also be an important part of this review. Open collaboration and consultation will be at the heart of the review and all stakeholders will be invited to engage with the process.

It is envisaged that the full review will be completed by early 2023.

The Government is committed to ensure that every child receives an education to help him/her achieve his/her potential.  To this end, the state has made very significant investment in a range of education supports for these children.  The state has also put in place a comprehensive legislative framework to protect and support the educational rights of these children and their families.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the purpose of the review is to provide assurance that there is an adequate legislative basis for the educational provision, both current and planned, for children with special educational needs in order to protect the interests of the children concerned and their families and those of the state.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.