Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made from the publication of the full findings of the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49745/25]

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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276. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of implementing the recommendations arising from the EPSEN review; and the projected allocation for this within the Department’s budget for 2025-26; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49747/25]

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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277. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional resources that have been allocated to schools and local education support services in anticipation of the recommendations of the EPSEN review; and if he will provide a breakdown of expenditure by programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49749/25]

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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278. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the expected timeframe for the introduction of necessary legislative amendments following the completion of the EPSEN review; if draft heads of a Bill will be published in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49752/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 276, 277 and 278 together.

I wish to thank the Deputy for their questions.

The Review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 was published in June 2025 following the most extensive consultation ever undertaken by my Department, with over 28,000 responses to surveys, along with focus groups, including contributions from children and young people. On 1 July 2025, I, along with the Minister McEntee, addressed the Dáil on the findings. The Review contains 51 recommendations across 16 themes, addressing both policy and legislative change.

My department is currently engaging with stakeholders to finalise an Implementation Plan, which will be published before the end of this year. This plan will set out concrete actions, timelines, and oversight arrangements to ensure delivery. Several recommendations are already being progressed, including work on inclusive education pathways, the SNA development workforce plan, and workforce professional learning. The financial and resource implications of the Review will be phased and managed through the annual Estimates process, with future allocations informed by the plan.

Preparation for legislative amendments will begin in parallel, recognising that legislative change will be required to give effect to a number of the recommendations. The timing of draft Heads of a Bill will depend on the sequencing of policy development and consultation.

The Review and Implementation Plan together represent a significant step forward in strengthening inclusive education and ensuring that every child is supported to reach their potential.