Committee seeks public views on proposed legislation on Additional Learning Needs.

The Proposed Additional Learning Needs Legislative Competence Order  Committee, which has been established to scrutinise the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed legislation on additional learning needs, has launched a public consultation to seek the views of interested parties. The proposed Order will provide the Assembly with the power to make its own laws, known as Measures, in the field of education and training for persons with learning difficulties and disabilities.   It is the first Government proposed Order to be scrutinised by the Assembly under powers introduced by the Government of Wales Act. As part of pre-legislative scrutiny, the Committee will consider the general principles and terms of the proposed Order and report to the Assembly. Eleanor Burnham AM, Chair of the Committee, said: “There are exciting times ahead for the Assembly with its enhanced legislative powers. This Committee has a unique opportunity to take a lead in effective and rigorous scrutiny of the first piece of proposed legislation coming forward from the Government in the Third and newly constituted Assembly. It is therefore crucial that we engage with the public and encourage individuals to share with us their views on the proposals which have the potential to affect the lives of the people of Wales.” The Committee would welcome views from interested parties on the following questions: 1.Would the terms of the proposed Order allow for the implementation of the policy agenda on additional learning needs by means of Measures? If not how would the proposed Order need to be re-drafted and why? 2.Is it appropriate for the proposed Order to cover all persons? If not, how should the proposed Order be re-drafted and why? 3.Is the definition of disability in the proposed Order appropriate? If not, how should the definition be re-drafted and why? 4. Are the terms of the proposed Order drafted appropriately, too narrowly or too broadly? If necessary, how should the proposed Order be re-drafted and why? Further information on the proposed Legislative Competence Order and the legislative process, along with details of how to submit evidence. The deadline for submitting evidence is September 21 2007. The Committee welcomes evidence in both English and Welsh. The Committee will consider responses to the written consultation during the autumn.