Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
542. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department accepts that repeated mid-term closures in schools are having an adverse effect on parents and children who depend on routines due to their sensory difficulties. [37722/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The scheduling of the school holiday periods during the school year is agreed between the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and my department for the purposes of standardising breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term. This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays.
It is the responsibility of the board of management of a school to ensure that primary and special schools are open for tuition for all pupils for a minimum of 182 school days, and that post-primary schools are open for tuition for a minimum of 166 days for all students.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
