Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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998. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Irlens syndrome is recognised as a learning disability; if not, the reason: and if so, the supports provided to those diagnosed with the condition. [46885/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The majority of children with special education needs in this country are supported by their classroom teachers, special education teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to attend mainstream classes with their peers. This is considered the most inclusive environment for children with special education needs and ensures that children can attend their local school. My department has significantly increased the resources available to support children with special educational needs in mainstream provision with 15,000 special education teachers and over 12,500 SNA posts now attached to mainstream schools.

Where children have more complex needs a special class or special school is provided.

Classes are established under a particular designation of student need, e.g., mild/moderate/severe to profound learning disability or for particular conditions e.g. autism or deaf/hard of hearing. There are also a small number of classes for visually impaired students. Enrolment into these classes is closely linked to its designation. This ensures that these classes continue to meet the needs of the students for which they were intended and for this reason, a diagnosis and/or professional report recommending placement in the class is required in order for students to be enrolled.

To offer longitudinal support to children who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind or visually impaired, the visiting teaching service under the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is available. This service provides qualified teachers, who have particular skills and knowledge of the development and education of children with varying degrees of hearing loss/visual impairment to support the child, the school and parents.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.