Cavan-Monaghan Sinn Fein TD Pauline Tully has reacted with "dismay and frustration" at the Government's decision to delay the passage of a Bill which would have ensured that each child with additional education needs would receive an individual educational plan.
The Government's amendment to the Bill will ensure at least a twelve-month delay for it to proceed. Despite this, Deputy Tully believes it is "essential" that procedures are put in place to assist disabled people in their journey through the education system. She pointed out that it would also enable them to progress with the skills necessary to participate, in an inclusive way, in the social and economic activities of society, and to live independent and fulfilled lives.
The local TD added that while the Education of People with Special Needs Act was passed in 2004, there are aspects of it that still need to be standardised. "The Education of a Person with Special Needs Act was passed in 2004. And that included the provision of IEPs.
"But the Act was never fully commenced and here we are nearly 20 years later and it's not actually standardised or compulsory for schools to provide an IEP for students. Now, I know there are schools that do this, however, there is no standard and so therefore, the standard varies from school to school. And, also none of this is inspected," said Deputy Tully.
