AsIAm Responds to Publication of EPSEN Act Implementation Plan
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The Department of Education and Youth has published the much-anticipated implementation plan for the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act.
The plan sets out a roadmap for implementing the 51 recommendations arising from the review, which was published in June 2025. These recommendations cover children’s rights at school, assessment and supports, student support planning, transitions, professional learning, curriculum development, the use of language within our school system and inclusive education policy.
The recommendations aim to make our education system more inclusive and bring it further into line with Ireland’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
While several of the actions outlined in the implementation plan are already underway, a number of its objectives will require changes to legislation and policy. Delivering on these commitments will also require appropriate resourcing from the Department.
The implementation plan represents a significant milestone on the journey towards building a truly inclusive education system. At its core, this work must place the voice of the child at the centre of decision-making as we continue, in the spirit of co-production, to build an education system that is inclusive for all.
AsIAm looks forward to engaging with the Department on these commitments over the coming months.