Education Minister Helen McEntee is set to introduce mandatory assessed placements in special educational needs schools for all student teachers, according to new departmental plans. The minister will formally request the Teaching Council on Monday to begin implementing this significant change to teacher training requirements.
McEntee will ask the council to conduct a comprehensive survey across all teacher education colleges to assess current placement provisions in special education settings. This information will inform the development of guidance for higher education institutions, expected to be issued later this year, regarding the introduction of assessed student placements in special education environments.
The initiative aims to ensure that all teachers receive thorough training to deliver high-quality education to children with diverse needs. The mandatory placements will be supported by relevant specialized modules in teacher education programs.
The Department of Education anticipates that these changes will be introduced beginning in September 2026, giving institutions time to adapt their curricula and placement systems.
A Department of Education spokeswoman emphasized that this initiative is part of McEntee’s broader commitment to improving special education resources, which includes plans to open additional special classes and schools, increase the number of special needs assistants and special education teachers, and expand resources available to special schools.
According to The Irish Examiner, the minister has also pledged to introduce a common application system for children seeking special education places, making the process more streamlined and accessible for families.
“Minister McEntee is working with minister of state Michael Moynihan to ensure there are enough places to meet their children’s needs this September, and ensuring that the NSCE [National Council for Special Education] is planning this year for the special places needed for the 2026/27 school year,” the spokeswoman stated.
The spokeswoman added that the ministers “will not hesitate to use the legislative provisions, introduced in 2022, which allow them to compel schools to open special classes if required,” highlighting the government’s determination to address shortages in special education provision.