Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Supports for pupils with Down's syndrome are based on the extent of their general learning disability. Pupils with Down's syndrome receive additional teaching support either under the general allocation model in primary schools or equivalent provision in post primary schools if their educational assessments place them in the mild general learning disability category. Pupils with more moderate or severe general learning difficulty or more complex needs are supported through an allocation of individual additional resource teaching hours allocated by the National Council for Special Education.

I have asked the NCSE to provide me with policy advice on the issue of whether Down syndrome should be reclassified as a low incidence or moderate-to-severe disability in all instances, regardless of assessed cognitive ability. This advice will be included in the NCSE's comprehensive policy advice on how the education system can best support children with special educational needs, which is expected in coming months.

See this speech in context