Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2018, the then Minister for Education and Skills requested the NCSE to advise on the educational provision that should be in place for students in special schools and classes. Ireland is not alone in evaluating its educational provision for students in special education settings. Many European countries are thinking about the future direction they should take. This is particularly pertinent in the light of new obligations and responsibilities arising from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD.

The NCSE strives to ensure its policy advice is informed by robust and wide-ranging consultative and research processes. Its policy advice is always informed by international best practice. Much work has been done in this regard and the NCSE published a progress report in November 2019. At that stage, the council had reviewed existing educational provision in Ireland, conducted a detailed literature review, consulted various stakeholder groups and visited a number of Irish schools. It had also looked at fully inclusive schools and practice in Canada and Portugal. The report ultimately found no evidence to show that one type of special education placement is better than another. It also stated that any decision to move towards greater inclusion would require careful consideration and planning.

It is not something that could be achieved in the short term. However, since the publication of the progress report, the NCSE has conducted further research and analysis. It has engaged in a public consultation survey and received further submissions and expert inputs. Obviously, it has examined the implications arising from the United Nations convention. Before the advice is finalised, every effort is being made to ensure the NCSE has consulted widely with a view to developing shared understandings on the critical issues involved and proposed solutions. I expect to have that report completed by the end of the year.

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