Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
49. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider creating a required school placement in a special education setting in teacher training courses, that will prepare primary school teachers to teach in a special class or special school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6687/26]
View answerThe Department of Education and Youth is committed to ensuring that student teachers at primary and post-primary level have the skills they need to support the diverse needs of all our children and young people. It is critical that our teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to continue to deliver high quality and inclusive education.
To that end, in March 2025, my department wrote to the Teaching Council to initiate a process to move towards a mandatory assessed placement period in a special education needs (SEN) setting for all student teachers undertaking programmes of Initial Teacher Education (ITE). This measure is intended to strengthen student teachers’ preparedness to teach by developing their knowledge of responding to learners with diverse educational needs.
In seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape of school placement provision in special education settings, the Teaching Council conducted a survey across all ITE providers in April 2025. A 100% response rate was received, providing comprehensive insight into existing provision and identifying areas requiring further development to meet the special education placement requirement.
The Teaching Council is preparing a draft Guidance Note for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in relation to an assessed special education placement period and has engaged with officials in my department and ITE providers throughout the development process. Subject to approval by the Teaching Council, this Guidance Note will be issued to HEI’s in advance of interim enactment in September 2026.
