The Government has promised to make significant changes to legislation granting disabled children legal rights to education, which did not pass through the Oireachtas before the last government ended.
Once in place, the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2002 will help parents to enforce the right of a disabled child to education, using an appeals system, and, if necessary, in court.
The legislation was published by the last Minister for Education, Dr Woods, in provisional form, though his plans were heavily criticised at the time by disabled lobby groups.
His successor, Mr Noel Dempsey said "considerable consultation" has already taken place and "much common ground for amendment has been established", though he acknowledged that more time is needed.
Further talks will be held over the summer, he said: "I am committed to approaching this consultation process in an open and positive manner with a view to publishing the revised legislation in the autumn."
The original legislation defined a child as a person who is not less than three or older than 18 years, but it allowed for earlier intervention to take place where necessary.
Disabled children would be educated in ordinary school classes, unless this is not in the child's interests, while children will be entitled to speedy assessment.
It proposed that disabled children should be registered with the National Council for Special Education soon after birth, which would then seek to prepare an individual education plan.
