EPSEN Review Consultation

The Department of Education is undertaking a review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.

The purpose of this review is to provide assurance that the law that governs the provision of education for children with special educational needs is adequate. This is important, in order to protect the interests of the children concerned and their families, and to ensure that the State can make plans to provide for appropriate education for children with special educational needs.

The Department of Education and Youth has published the Report on the Review of The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004, setting out key findings and recommendations. You can access the report at this link:

An Easy Read version of the report, as well as an Easy Read version of the recommendations, are also available at the following links:

The EPSEN Easy Access Survey is now closed.

The online survey is closed.

This online survey is one part of the planned consultation process. The consultation process will be wide-ranging, so that it can include a breadth of experience of as many of those people impacted by the legislation.

Significant efforts are being made by the department to consult with students and families of those with special educational needs who are currently, or have been through, the education system during the period of operation of the Act.

The views of experts are also being sought, to include those working in the education sector and people supporting persons with disabilities.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 provides for the education of children aged under 18 years with special educational needs.

The government is committed to ensuring that every child receives an education to help him/her achieve his/her potential. To this end, the State has made very significant investment in a range of education supports for these children. The State has also put in place a comprehensive legislative framework to protect and support the educational rights of these children and their families.

The purpose of this review is to provide assurance that the law that governs the provision of education for children with special educational needs is adequate. This is important, in order to protect the interests of the children concerned and their families, and to ensure that the State can make plans to provide for appropriate education for children with special educational needs.

A Steering Group, Working Group and Advisory Group are overseeing this review process. Details on membership can be found below:

The Terms of Reference of the steering group is available here

The role of the advisory group is available here

The Terms of Reference of the working group is available here

If you have any queries about this consultation, you can contact epsen@education.gov.ie