1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), this Act shall come into operation on such day or days as the Minister may appoint by order or orders either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision and different days may be so appointed for different purposes or different provisions.

(3) This Act shall, in so far as it is not in operation, come into operation 2 years after the date of its passing.