Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
568. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the requirement for professional reports as part of the enrolment process for students seeking placement in special educational settings could be reinstated (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to clarify that the requirement for professional reports as part of the enrolment process for students seeking placement in special education settings has not been removed.
The Department of Education aims to facilitate every individual through learning, to achieve their full potential and to ensure that the education system upholds the rights of every individual to receive an education appropriate to their needs.
Primary and post-primary schools make provision for students with special educational needs (SEN) through a continuum of interventions ranging from additional support teaching in mainstream schools through to more specialist placements either in a special class or a special school depending on the level of complexity of need. Schools are required to target their additional resources at those students requiring the greatest level of support.
The Department of Education and Youth is committed to an education-based, needs-led approach to accessing education services. The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers, through the provision of resources such as Special Education Teachers and Special Needs Assistants. This is an estimated 25% of the total student population, or 240,000 children and young people with special educational needs, that are supported in mainstream classes.
The new Inclusive Education for All strategy will focus over the next three years on the key areas of supporting children and young people with special educational needs and tackling educational disadvantage. The establishment of an Education Therapy Service will be a key part of the plan.
Our plan will place a focus on fostering inclusion for all children and young people in our schools and youth services and ensuring that children and young people are valued and involved in shaping their education and development experiences.
The Assessment of Need (AON) process is provided for under the Disability Act 2005 and is under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Assessment Officers working under the remit of the HSE are charged with organising the process which results in an Assessment of Need. The Assessment Officer coordinates and completes the Assessment Report and a determination is made as to whether or not a child or young person meets the definition of disability contained in the Act. Revisions to the AON process are a matter for the HSE in tandem with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
It is also important to note that while a diagnosis is currently required to access a special class or a special school, this does not have to be linked to an Assessment of Need.
For clarity, there is no change to the AON process as it applies in schools.
The Department continues to monitor existing practices with a view to responding to future needs. As with any new education measure or initiative, there will be a comprehensive consultation process with the full range of education stakeholders and advocacy groups in respect of any proposed changes either to the AON process as it applies to schools or to the application process for enrolment in schools.
The Department favours the adoption of a needs-based approach to all aspects of school life including enrolment, and will seek to progress this, subject to the availability of necessary resources and the outcomes of a consultation process. Any proposals arising will be progressed through a memorandum for government.
The Department endeavours to ensure that policies, resources and supports for schools are underpinned by extensive reviews of research and evidence. Further, the policy-making process is informed by the outcomes of consultations with relevant stakeholders and professionals, including cross sectoral engagements with Health Service Executive, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and Department of Health.
