Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
47. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will clarify the working definition used by her Department for the term ‘inclusion’ and for the term ‘complex needs with respect to Departmental policy related to special schools and/or mainstream schooling for children with additional or complex needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13306/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware that language is ever evolving and for that reason, my officials regularly engage with stakeholders such as the National Disability Authority on the use of disability language and terminology. A considerable body of work is nearing completion the outcomes of which will inform future policy, practice and the type of language used to describe students with special educational needs.
In the meantime, my priority is to enable all students to receive an education that meets their needs. I have long held that children should be educated in the most inclusive environment possible. For most, this means being alongside their peers in mainstream schools and classes. To support those who attend mainstream classes, but who may have additional or special educational needs, we have provided more than 15,000 special education teachers.
There are, however, some children whose needs are so complex they cannot have those needs met in a mainstream environment on a fulltime basis. In these circumstances, we provide special classes and special schools.
Special classes enable students with more complex special educational needs to be educated, in smaller class groups, within their local mainstream schools. They offer a supportive learning environment to students who are unable to access the curriculum in a mainstream class, even with support, for most or all of their school day.
Special schools support students with the most complex special educational needs in cases where enrolment in mainstream or in a special class would be unable to meet their needs.
