Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has expressed concern after the Department of Education Inspectorate found issues with almost all admission policies used by a selection of mainstream schools to determine entry to additional needs classes.
Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said:
“There are clear issues highlighted in this review – which examined 15 primary and 15 post-primary schools – around the exclusion of children with additional needs that have the potential to impact significantly on their right to education and their development.
“The restrictions in these policies need to be examined within the context of major resource limitations in mainstream schools and special schools.
“Many schools are not being granted enough Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). In addition, schools are also conscious that a child should not begin their education in a setting that will be unsuitable for them in the medium and long-term.
“Yet schools can come under pressure to take students who are not able to sustain their placement.
“It is important the Department does not blame schools for these issues without acknowledging that it is their responsibility to allocate sufficient resources. The Department needs to provide those resources in tandem with ensuring that all schools are inclusive in their admission processes.”
May 9, 2025