Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
571. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will meet with a group to discuss their seizure safe schools campaign (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4299/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
Under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. The Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all of the students in their school and care and safety should be at the centre of all policy and practices. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to provide training for staff to ensure the safety and welfare of their pupils.
It is important that a sufficient number of school staff receive adequate training to meet the care needs of students, and adequate cover is in place where staff designated to provide essential care support is absent on any particular day. Resources should also be deployed so that students with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support in the school.
Where specific training is required, the school can liaise with Enable Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Education Support Centres, at a local level to secure guidance and training to meet the care needs of the student. The school’s special education needs organiser (SENO) is also available to advise on the resources available to assist students with special educational needs including opportunities for targeted training.
Matters in relation to the provision of health-related supports for children should be generally directed to the HSE or to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
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 reach their full potential.
