Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
116. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department's position regarding reduced school hours for children attending special schools; if this is regular practice in such school settings; if parental consent is sought for a reduced school day; the resolution mechanisms in place in cases where consent is not provided by the parent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position of the Department of Education is that all pupils who are enrolled in a school should attend school for the full day. Where this is not possible for exceptional circumstances this is known as a reduced school day.
A commitment was made to ensure robust data collection on the use of reduced school days and to further ensure that reduced school days are only used in a manner that is limited, appropriate and absolutely necessary. In September 2021, the Department of Education issued Reduced School Day Guidelines to all schools on the procedures to be followed when reduced school days are put in place for students. These guidelines came into effect on 1 January 2022. These guidelines clearly state that reduced school days should not be used as a sanction, offered as an alternative to a sanction, or used as a behavioural management tool.
Where a reduced school day is used, it should be applied proportionately and should last only as long as is necessary to facilitate a return to school on a full-time basis. Signed parental/guardian consent (or consent of the student if over 18) should be received prior to implementation of a reduced school day. The guidelines set out that where consent is not given or subsequently withdrawn and the school proceeds or continues with a reduced school day, this is effectively a suspension, and an appeal may be made under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.
The department is committed to publishing data in respect of reduced school days on an annual basis. The details of RSDs for the 2023/2024 school year report were published on the 14th February 2025 and the report for the 2024/2025 school year will be published shortly. The number of children from Special Schools on a reduced school day in the 2023/24 school year was 97 (1.04%) from a Special School student population of 9,326.
The use of Reduced School Days is monitored by the Department and all services involved continue to work collaboratively and proactively to enable the best outcome for each individual child. Schools are encouraged to seek advice from their local TUSLA Educational Welfare Officer, National Educational Psychological Services psychologist and the NCSE’s Special Educational Needs Organisers so that the right support for each child can be provided. In addition, if any parent feels that reduced school days are being used inappropriately or without their consent they can contact their local EWO, SENO or the Department and this will be investigated.
My Department continues to work closely with Tusla Education Support Service and the National Council for Special Education to ensure that all students are supported to the greatest extent possible to attend for the full school day.
