I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue.
In December 2024, my Department undertook a review of Circular 0038/2007. This review has been completed and an updated circular, Circular 0024/2025 was published on the 20 March 2025. This circular can be found at the following link: gov.ie - Criteria for Enrolment in Special Classes for Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) or Speech Sound Disorder (SSD)
The term SSLD will no longer apply in relation to entry to these classes and will be replaced instead with Developmental Language Disorder – Speech Sound Disorder (DLD/SSD) which will apply, in some cases, for the 2026/2027 school year, as the admission process is already underway for 2025/2026. The revised criteria will see, among other changes, the removal of reference to IQ as one of the entry criterion for these classes.
The updates to circular 0038/2007, were informed by robust engagement with the Speech and Language Therapy service in the National Council for Special Education, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and HSE Speech and Language Therapists. Department officials also engaged with education stakeholders, including representatives of schools who provide these classes, to consult on the draft of the circular. The feedback from the stakeholders has been incorporated into the revised circular.
