Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
542. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which the apparent contradiction reconciled between the Minister stating that diagnosis will not be required for primary provision, while simultaneously introducing classes that appear to rely on an autism-specific threshold for access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28719/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling 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 Department of Education and Youth is committed to an education-based, needs-led approach to accessing education services. Children and young people in the education system have never required an Assessment of Need (AON) in order to access education supports. Since 2017, children and young people in mainstream schools have not required a diagnosis to access supports from the 15,000 special education teachers in our school system. The department has also removed the need for health-related information for special education teaching allocations, transitions between primary and post-primary special classes, assistive technology supports, and additional SNA requirements. A diagnosis is currently still required for access to a special school or class place.
My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 432 have been sanctioned to date and more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
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.
