# Special Needs
This year
2023
Government could reimburse parents who go private to assess children’s needs, Dáil told
The Taoiseach said the proposal was being assessed in response to questions from the Labour Party.
Judge welcomes resolution of number of actions brought against HSE over assessment of children with special needs
Mr Justice Charles Meenan said the settlement of approximately 20 of these cases was “very satisfactory”.
Last year
2022
Parents, students and other stakeholders are being asked their views on Special Educational Needs
The Government has faced criticism about the difficulty in finding school and class places for children with additional needs.
'Extremely disappointing': Minister criticises school for separating girl with Down Syndrome from class
The Minister of State for Special Education said that every school can access the resources necessary for inclusion
AG consulted on emergency law to provide more school places for children with special needs
The Government has faced criticism from parents and advocates about the difficulty in finding class places for children with additional needs.
Ombudsman says Government failing children with special education needs
A report by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office said the problem was particularly acute in Cork and Dublin.
Communication of plans for special needs education ‘less than ideal’, Harris says
The Higher Education minister said it’s “absolutely essential” that the number of special education classes in mainstream schools is increased.
'Ten steps backwards': Govt proposal to open 'special educational needs centres' met with criticism
Five centres are set to open in Dublin in September as an “interim” solution for children without a special class place in school.
All time
Allegations of department gathering dossiers on children with autism 'extremely concerning', says Paul Reid
Patient confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the health service, said the HSE boss.
High Court challenge begins against direction to readmit expelled student with special needs
The pupil, who has special needs and cannot be identified by order of the court, was expelled in September from a Co Meath school.
Taoiseach hints at school closures beyond 1 February and says 'focus' is on special needs education
Micheál Martin says the issue will be discussed by the Cabinet sub-committee on Monday.
Madigan withdraws 'normal children' comments and issues apology for mother and baby home comparison
Teachers union the INTO has called on the Minister to apologise for her latest comments.
Deputy CMO insists school closures should be 'last resort' only after criticism from special needs teachers
Talks are continuing with unions about the reopening of schools for students with special educational needs.
Re-opening schools for students with special needs to be prioritised by government, says minister
Four groups, representing 30,00 children, state that remote schooling is not an option for them.
Minister to meet special needs groups as families left ‘devastated’ over schools u-turn
CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland said the u-turn on schools has left families and children with special educational needs reeling.
New research highlights long-term impact of Covid-19 restrictions on children with autism
The report highlights a decline in children’s abilities and skills since the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions.
Special needs children and their mother launch High Court action to obtain disabled parking permit
The action arose after the mother of the children was refused a disabled parking permit.
Dublin Airport opens sensory room for passengers with special needs
The room includes relaxing music, mood lighting, bean bags and digital display panels.
South Dublin schools urged to open more special needs places to tackle shortage
McHugh has activated new legislation which directs schools to open more special classes.
Taoiseach says minister will intervene in Bolger family case after RTÉ Prime Time programme
Gillian Bolger and Darren Milne spoke about the struggles they have faced in getting their eight-year-old twins into suitable school.
Concern hundreds of children with autism could be without school places in September
Last month the Department of Education served statutory notices on 18 schools and two patrol bodies in the Dublin 15 area urging them to make additional provision.
Opinion: Teaching unions' stance on education plans for students with disabilities sets a worrying precedent
I believe that the unions are targeting industrial action at a minority and that this sets a worrying precedent for all minority groups, writes Adam Harris.
SNAs at Dublin school to get €650 gift vouchers to carry out toileting duties for special needs pupils
The Labour Court made the recommendation as a measure to halt the dispute between SNAs and Scoil Muchua.
School says children 'may have to remain in their wheelchairs' due to SNA cuts
The Dublin primary school has warned parents that there will be “a serious disruption of services” in September.
Government announces 800 additional SNAs in schools for next term
This will bring to 15,000 the number of SNAs working in schools – a 42% increase on 2011.
Opinion: How is it legal for schools to refuse to set up special classes?
Students with special educational needs have enough challenges place in front of them, they should not have to fight the education system as well, writes Graham Manning.
Caring at Christmas: '24: The number of hours I work per day'
When it comes to numbers, the number attached to my age isn’t important. There are, however, some numbers that are very important to me, writes Tracy McGinnis.
Wanted: taxi drivers to help give hundreds of kids a special day out in Dublin
The event has been running in Dublin since 1960, offering a fun day out every year for children with special needs.
Column: 'I imagine guilt is a friend of every carer on this island'
My boys will not have “typical” childhood but they will have very special memories, writes carer Geraldine Renton.
'Huge concerns' over future of disability service in Kilkenny
The centre at Ballytobin is to be transferred to the HSE.
'I used to have dreams when he was little about him walking and talking. I would wake up sobbing'
It is dangerous and upsetting to wonder what it would be like, if only, writes Tracy McGinnis.
Teachers in charge of Ireland's special needs classes not always qualified
They often feel ill-equipped to meet the needs of their students, a new ESRI report has found.
Every single child who needs a special needs assistant will get one
Minister for Education Richard Bruton said the increase will support 160 new special classes – many for children on the autism spectrum.
'I keep saying, why did it happen?': Man sentenced to 12 years for attempted rape of niece
In her victim impact report the now adult woman said her plans for her life changed as a result of the abuse.
Pride as children with special needs release Christmas album
Students at St Raphael’s have been rehearsing for the CD since the beginning of September.
Mother starts second week chaining herself to the front of the Department of Education
This is in relation to a grant payment for her son, who has autism.
Suicidal woman allegedly told to 'go home and overdose' if she wanted to be seen
The incident apparently happened at University Hospital Galway.
Attackers 'threatened to rape man with special needs and set him on fire'
He was left with serious head injuries after the assault.
Child with autism 'kept in cage-like structure' inside classroom
Australian authorities have launched an investigation into the claims.
