Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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155. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the consultation on the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. [5247/23]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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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. A Steering Group, Working Group and Advisory Group are overseeing this review process. The advisory group contains various groups representing stakeholders for this important review. Full membership of the groups is published on the department website.

A full stakeholder engagement took place on the 21st of June 2022, to discuss concerns and proposals in relation to this review, which was very positive. A large amount of work has occurred since then to prepare categories of public surveys and a consultation paper to inform members of the public of the review.

The review includes online surveys for students and persons who have left the education system, staff, parents and members of the public, and individuals or organisations that wish to make a submission. These are available on the department website. These online surveys, which launched on 30^thNovember 2022, form one part of the planned consultation process. This was published in local and national media and online, and communications were issued to all school principals and other stakeholders. This stage of consultation will be open until 3^rdMarch 2023. Focus groups will be organised at the conclusion of the public survey to explore key themes that arise as result of the survey analysis. A full open policy day shall also be held at the conclusion of the focus groups to allow for further stakeholder engagement. In depth engagement has also occurred with the NCSE in relation to specific research that shall assist with 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.

The consultation process will be wide-ranging, so that it can include a breadth of experience of as many of those people impacted by the legislation. Significant efforts are being made by the department to consult with students and families of those with special educational needs who are currently, or have been through, the education system during the period of operation of the Act. A range of consultation methods will be used over the coming months. The views of experts are also being sought, to include those working in the education sector and people supporting persons with disabilities.

This important review will be concluded with delivery of a report including full analysis of the stakeholder and public engagement, focus groups feedback and the evidence-based research.