Equality in Education Campaign Demands Urgent Action Following Revelations from FOI on Special Education Class Provision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Equality in Education Campaign Demands Urgent Action Following Revelations from FOI on Special Education Class Provision

The Equality in Education campaign is raising serious alarm following the release of internal documentation obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) dated 10th March 2025. The document paints a deeply troubling picture of systemic delays, refusals, and administrative silence regarding the opening of special education classes—despite repeated public assurances from the Department of Education. The campaign highlighted their concerns regarding this FOI to the relevant departments but have yet to receive any response.

The FOI reveals:

·         Widespread non-responsiveness: Over 40 schools failed to reply to formal requests to open (RTOs) special classes, many without any explanation.

·         Outright refusals: Numerous schools declined to open classes even where space was identified—both internally and for modular builds. It is important to note that other vital services may exist in these spaces (e.g.: preschools, clubs) which DOE has failed to consider alternative accommodations for.

·         Mixed messages and missed opportunities: Some schools confirmed they had space, prefabs, or willingness to open, but cited a lack of support or were not instructed to proceed by the Department.

·         Missing information: Worryingly, some schools have informed us they requested sanction for special classes prior to March 2025 but are not listed in this FOI, raising serious questions about the completeness and transparency of the NCSE's records.

·         Patron Influence as a Barrier: A pattern emerges where certain patrons are repeatedly non-responsive or obstructive, raising concerns about their gatekeeping role in inclusive education.

"This FOI shows a complete failure to deliver on the promises made to us by the Minister in March," said Charlotte Cahill from the Equality in Education campaign. "It’s not just about delays anymore—it’s about a culture of avoidance and a lack of accountability at the highest levels."

The campaign is also concerned that school Boards of Management may be reluctant to engage due to legitimate fears that if they open classes, they will be left without essential support from the Department—such as adequate funding, specialist training, additional SET allocation, and SNAs.

"Schools should not be asked to do more with less. The Department cannot expect schools to open classes without guaranteeing the proper infrastructure and staffing to support those children," Rachel Martin added.

The Equality in Education campaign calls for:

1.   Immediate clarification and publication of all RTO correspondence and outcomes, including schools not currently listed

2.   A full list of schools that have offered space or requested sanction but were ignored

3.   A formal commitment from the Department to fully resource and train any school opening a special education class

4.   A clear, time-bound plan to escalate unresolved or refused cases

"If this continues, families are ready to take to the streets again. We will not allow another generation of children to be locked out of education due to government inaction," Rebecca Meehan warns.

Contact: equalityineducationireland@gmail.com

Equality in Education Campaign