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Statement from Down Syndrome Ireland on Special Education

Statement from Down Syndrome Ireland on Special Education – 1st May 2026

At a meeting today, Friday May 1st, of the DEY Special Education Consultative Forum, clarification was provided for members that the Inclusive Special Education Classes will be opened only for students with autism who currently are in mainstream classes.

While the initial announcement from Ministers Naughton and Moynihan on April 14th appeared to suggest that these classes would be rolled out more broadly at a national level, at present, they will be autism-focused only.

We also note, from today’s meeting, that the introduction of these classes has moved from a small pilot in five schools to an increased rollout, with 11 Post Primary schools now being allocated a new class for September 2026.

While we recognise the intention to expand these class numbers to all children, we are deeply disappointed that there remains no clear assurance that children with Down syndrome will be appropriately accommodated within this model with no definite time frame announced.

The commitment by the Department of Education to keep the rollout “under active review” offers little reassurance to our members. It does not address the immediate and ongoing challenges faced by students with Down syndrome, who continue to be overlooked in current planning and provision.

Statement from Down Syndrome Ireland on Special Education – 28th April 2026

Down Syndrome Ireland is continuing to engage with the Department of Education in relation to both the current shortage of special school places and the proposed introduction of an “Inclusive Special Class” pilot.

In mid-April, we attended a meeting of the Special Education Consultative Forum where we raised concerns regarding the proposed model, including the lack of prior consultation, the need for clarity on how such classes would operate, and the absence of supporting evidence.

Since then, recent national reporting in late April has highlighted a significant shortfall in special school places for the coming academic year, reflecting the challenges many families are currently experiencing.

Down Syndrome Ireland is clear that:

  • The immediate priority must be to ensure that all children have access to appropriate school places and supports for September 2026
  • Any proposed changes to the system must be child-centred, rights-based, and properly resourced
  • Families must be fully involved in the design and development of any new model

The Special Education Consultative Forum will reconvene this Friday, where further detail is expected from the Department.

Down Syndrome Ireland will continue to engage at national level and will keep members informed as developments progress.

Statement from Down Syndrome Ireland on Special Education – 17th April 2026

Down Syndrome Ireland attended a specially convened meeting of the Special Education Consultative Forum yesterday (Thursday) to discuss the Department of Education’s announcement of a proposed “Inclusive Special Class” pilot.

A number of significant issues were raised at the meeting regarding both the substance of the proposal and the lack of prior consultation with representative organisations. These included concerns around the proposed model, how such classes would operate in practice, and the need for greater clarity and supporting evidence.

It was emphasised that any changes to the education system must be child-centred, rights-based, and co-designed with children and their families. Clear communication for parents, including their rights and available options, will be essential.

There were also calls for the Department to clearly set out the rationale for the proposal and to ensure that its primary focus is on improving inclusion and outcomes for children.

The Department has committed to providing further information and to reconvene the Forum next week. Down Syndrome Ireland will continue to engage and will keep members updated as more detail becomes available.