Labour condemns Minister’s removal of ‘complex needs’ in Special Education Criteria
Labour’s Education Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD has strongly criticised the Minister for Special Education for removing ‘complex needs’ from the assessment criteria for special needs education.
Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said:
“The Minister for Special Education’s decision to completely remove ‘complex needs’ from the assessment criteria for special needs education is fundamentally flawed.
“It is alarming that the Minister accepted that 33% of schools will lose vital resources. The impact of removing complex needs will be a drop in their special education teaching hours, which will obviously impact on the most vulnerable students.
“Education is meant to be the great equaliser, but without adequate support for those with complex needs, we risk perpetuating inequality and leaving vulnerable children behind.
“Labour is only calling for more vision and ambition in areas such as school building, places, and our special education system. We demand a system that prioritises the needs of all children, regardless of their abilities, and ensures that every child has access to the support and resources they require to succeed.
“We’re calling on the Minister for Special Education to immediately reconsider the decision and to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that complex needs are fully integrated into the criteria for special needs education.”