Inspectorate review of school admissions for autistic children highlights litany of failure – Darren O’Rourke TD
Thursday 8th May 2025, 15:49 pm
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, says a report on admission policies of primary and post primary special classes for autistic children highlights a litany of failure by successive governments, and denies children their constitutional right to education.
The report by the Chief Inspector at the Department of Education Inspectorate found that nearly all of the schools inspected had clauses in their admissions policies which could restrict enrolment of pupils with learning difficulties.
This comes at a time when many school leaders feel insufficiently resourced, supported and trained to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.
Teachta O’Rourke said:
“The findings of the review into the admission policies of primary and post primary special classes will come as no surprise. They highlight a litany of failure by successive governments to ensure that there is equality in education in Ireland. It is a failure of planning, a failure of policy and a failure of resourcing.
“It is clear from the report that admission policies in many schools are discriminating against autistic children and children with special educational needs. It amounts to a systematic denial of rights and it is simply unacceptable.
“Advocacy groups and parents of children with special educational needs have long-stated that they face ‘soft’ barriers – often different between schools but resulting in the same thing – a rejection letter.
“It is welcome that the Minister has now written to schools, but it is late in the day and will come as no comfort to children who have no school place today or for September.
“The Minister has failed to ensure that school admission policies are not discriminatory. By the same measure, she has failed to ensure schools are adequately resourced and supported to meet the needs of their student population, especially those with special educational needs.
“Teachers Unions and school leaders have long-called for increased basic funding for schools, and investment in special education training for teachers and teachers-in-training. They have called for additional SET and SNA posts and hours and for investment in school buildings. Successive Ministers have failed to deliver.
“Sinn Féin believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and we will continue to advocate for the rights of autistic children, children with special educational needs and their families.”
