Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
645. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has any plans to mandate epilepsy training as part of teacher training curriculum; whether her Department has any plans to mandate epilepsy training for all qualified teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all of the students in their school and care and safety should be at the centre of all policy and practices. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to provide training for teachers to ensure the safety and welfare of their pupils.
The Teaching Council, as the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland, sets the Standards for Initial Teacher Education through the Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education (www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2023/08/ceim-standards-for-initial-teacher-education.pdf) A core element of Céim is Inclusive Education which underpins all aspects of programme design (Foundation Studies, Professional Studies and School Placement). By embedding inclusive principles across the Standards, Céim seeks to ensure that student teachers develop the professional knowledge, skills and competence required to support the learning and wellbeing of all students in their classrooms.
Teacher education provided by the Department through Oide covers the implementation of the curriculum and matters relating to teaching and learning but does not encompass training on medical matters.
