asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the South Eastern Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland adopted a statement of special educational needs originally prepared by a local education authority in England or Wales; if so, when it was adopted; and what is that statement. [HL778]

The Department of Education has been advised by the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) that it has not adopted a statement of special educational needs originally prepared by a local education authority in England or Wales.

The SEELB would, however, take account of individual circumstances and use its discretion in individual cases to ensure that appropriate provision is made for children with acute needs pending the outcome of a statutory assessment.