Two weeks ago at the working group of committee Chairmen, I raised with the Taoiseach the issue of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs, EPSEN, Act 2004. As all Members know, many aspects of the Act have not been implemented. It was introduced to ensure that every child assessed with a special educational need would have a personal education plan. To be fair, at the time the National Council for Special Education published guidelines and a phased implementation plan. However, the relevant sections have not been enacted. When will it be implemented? As I discussed with the Taoiseach, if there is a need for a review - which I believe there is and the Taoiseach also intimated there is - when is it likely to take place? There are so many children, parents, families and teachers who need a personal education plan for the young children in their care.

This is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, who is currently out of the country. As Deputy O'Loughlin and I discussed, the EPSEN Act has been commenced in part but not in full. Many of the areas that have not been commenced are now a little out of date, given that the legislation is more than 15 years old. As I understand it, it is the intention of the Minister to review that. I will ask him to correspond with the Deputy and give her a more up-to-date response.