Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
396. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department is considering designating special schools as a specific sector, to account for the highly varied age groups contained therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51721/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
The current designation of special schools as primary schools is one of a range of additional challenges facing our special schools. My department has been actively engaging with the representative managerial bodies, to address these additional challenges.
A number of new measures to support special schools with a particular focus on post-primary provision have recently been introduced. All special schools now benefit from the appointment of administrative deputy principals. These posts are making a real difference in schools in terms of assisting with leadership and management functions and supporting learning, parental and community engagement.?
An additional allocation of 100 post-primary teaching posts has also been provided to special schools. I am very conscious that our special schools provide an education for students with the most complex needs, aged from 4 to 18 years of age. These posts allow schools to deliver a greater range of the national curriculum subjects and to improve student progression and transition.
My department is also working closely with the NCSE to further support special schools in relation to a range of issues relating to administration, curriculum and training. Two new specialist leads have been appointed with a specific remit for education and curriculum in special schools and in post-primary education and curriculum.
The 2015 Junior Cycle Framework incorporates a modernised curriculum across all subjects and a balanced range of assessment modes, that more appropriately addresses the needs of students. It provides students with learning opportunities that strike a better balance between learning knowledge and developing a wide range of skills and thinking abilities.
During the three years of Junior Cycle, the majority of students will learn through a number of subjects or a combination of subjects and short courses that are broadly aligned with Level 3 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).? For a small number of students with significant special educational needs Priority Learning Units (PLUs) that are broadly aligned with Level 2 or Level 1 of the NFQ will form the majority or entirety of their Junior Cycle.
As part of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, a Senior Cycle Level 1 and 2 Programme Statement, curriculum areas and modules have been published. These provide, for the first time, a Senior Cycle programme designed for students with specific special educational needs.
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.
