Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Among the many cohorts of students whose needs are not met by the educational system is that comprising those who are described as gifted children. The Centre for Talented Youth has stated that there needs to be appropriate educational challenge and that these learners need to feel valued and be surrounded by peers of equal academic achievement. The programme for Government refers to implementing a strategy to support gifted and talented students. These children are like all other children. They will experience difficulties as they go through school but their circumstances are rather unique. When those circumstances present, it becomes more difficult for these children to reach their full potential. After all, that is what we all want. These children need to be challenged in a way that will encourage them to continue to learn. Many are homeschooled by parents who are continually striving to meet the educational needs of their children.

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