Down Syndrome Ireland expresses concern on proposed changes to SET hours

Statement 09/02/2024

Statement 09/02/2024

Down Syndrome Ireland is seeking clarification from government regarding the recent circular 0002/2024, linked below, which details changes to the model for allocating Special Needs Teaching (SET hours).

We know that our members will have serious concerns regarding the status of Complex Educational Needs under the new proposal.

While we welcome the principle that all pupils, irrespective of special education needs, should be facilitated to enrol in their local schools, the proposed de-recognition of Complex Educational Needs is a retrograde step which has the potential to adversely affect many pupils with Down syndrome.

Our Head of Education, Dr Fidelma Brady, has contacted Ministers Foley & Madigan, the Department of Education and the NCSE for clarification.

We will keep our members notified as further information becomes available.

https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/f2a15-special-education-teacher-set-allocation-model-and-the-calculation-of-the-set-allocation-for-each-school-from-the-202425-school-year/