CHILDREN with special educational needs have been "failed" and weaknesses in the system allowed to continue for too long, a report has found.
The assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said there were systemic problems with SEN provision.
The committee added that there were elements of dysfunctionality within the Education Authority (EA).
It recommended an independent review of the EA to assess its effectiveness.
The PAC analysis followed a scathing report last year from the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
It is more than 13 years since the Department of Education began a £3.6 million review. This is still not complete.
Nearly one in five pupils has a reported SEN, with 5.5 per cent of the school population having a statement. The rising number of children with SEN is driving costs upwards.
The head of the EA previously apologised for "unacceptable" failings in the way the body supported pupils.
The PAC noted that from 2015 to 2020, more than £1.3bn was spent, with costs rising every year.
It said it was deeply concerned that it had been more than 13 years since the department began its review to address issues including the increase in the number of children with SEN, and inconsistencies and delays in identification, assessment and provision.
The committee also expressed disappointment that "unacceptable issues" identified by auditors persisted.
PAC chairman William Humphrey said the committee found there was a culture within the EA "that has allowed it to continually deliver a sub-standard service for far too long".
"These weaknesses have failed both families and children with special educational needs," he said.
"We were surprised to discover that the Education Authority does not know how many children are seeking to access SEN support - in the absence of such data it is impossible to gauge the real demand for services and identify the gaps in provision."
The committee said it was concerned that the department review had yet to deliver a result.
"Given the obvious issues with SEN provision and the fact that the department and Education Authority have failed to address these over many years, we strongly believe that there is a need for an independent external review of the effectiveness of SEN processes. This is needed not only to ensure that SEN processes are fit for purpose, but also to build confidence in the public and the families who are relying on SEN provision for their children," Mr Humphrey said.
"While there is much to do to increase confidence in SEN provision, including ensuring that it provides value for money, we cannot overlook the excellent work provided by those delivering SEN services to children. The dedication of front line staff is exemplary and we can applaud the fact that the educational attainment gap is closing between children with and without SEN."
