Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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82. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has drawn the attention of the Government to the urgent need fully to enact the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; her views on whether the failure to do so calls into question the State's commitment to giving a large cohort of the population the opportunities to which they are entitled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28435/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 took place on the 21st June last,  to discuss concerns and proposals in relation to this review, which was very positive.

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.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that 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.