1197. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on her Department's preparation, in conjunction with the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, of a roadmap for inclusive education here; if the roadmap or report has been published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55908/26]

The Roadmap for Quality Inclusive Education in Ireland is now published on the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education’s (EASNIE) website. This is an important report which has been prepared with the support of the European Union’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI) process. I would like to express my thanks to EASNIE and EU officials for their support in this work. The Roadmap is one of a number of important reports relating to inclusive education which have been published in the recent past. These include the EPSEN Review report and Inclusive Education for People with Disabilities which was published by the Joint Committee on Disability matters.

It is very important that we progress actions relating to the suite of recommendations contained in the reports in a systematic and methodical manner. The Roadmap is intended to provide a strategic framework to guide consideration of the continued development of inclusive education across our system. Importantly, it brings together shared principles, robust evidence, and the voices of stakeholders to support informed policy development and implementation. t is not a prescriptive action plan. Instead, it is a practical and flexible tool designed to support reflection, dialogue and collaboration across the education system. It will assist my officials, education providers and stakeholders in identifying strategic priorities and in strengthening inclusive practices in a sustainable way. I look forward to progressing the recommendations contained in the Roadmap through our recently-announced Forum of Inclusive Education for children with special educational needs.

In terms of the next steps, I recently announced the establishment of a Forum on Inclusive Education for students with special educational needs. The Forum, which will be independently chaired by Professor Noel Purdy, Stranmillis College, will focus on establishing a shared vision for inclusive education and will take account of the findings and recommendations contained in the TSI Roadmap, the EPSEN implementation plan and the Joint Committee’s report. Additionally, the Forum will take account of other significant developments in our education system including the establishment of the Educational Therapy Service and ongoing work on SNA workforce development.