Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
534. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which her Department will ensure access to structured, evidence-based literacy instruction in all mainstream classrooms for children with dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33970/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
It is my department’s policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs are supported in mainstream classes along with their peers, with additional supports provided as necessary.
The department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools and students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an education that meets their needs.
The functions of the NCSE include planning and coordinating the provision of education and support services to children and young people with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.
The allocation of special education teachers allows schools to provide additional teaching support for all students who require such support in their schools and for schools to deploy resources based on each student’s individual learning needs.
In addition, special needs assistants (SNAs) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
The NCSE provides support for teachers with additional training needs in the area of special education, through the NCSE support service which manages, co-ordinates and develops a range of supports in response to identified teacher training needs. The additional resources are intended to support students with the greatest level of need, including those with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia. Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment to assist students. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local SENO for such support.
The need for any additional provision or resources for schools to support students with dyslexia is kept under constant review by the NCSE.
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.
