Representatives from Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) presented to the Assembly Education Committee last week, where the focus was on Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the Irish-medium sector.
Maria Thomasson, CEO and Orla Nig Fhearraigh, Senior Education Officer addressed the gaps in provision for SEN in the sector, particularly in respect of assessment tools, teaching and learning resources, specialist provisions and the lack of suitably qualified and experienced personnel, who can offer assistance to Irish-medium children, through the medium of Irish.
Reference was made on numerous occasions to CnaG’s 2025 research paper ‘The Provision for Special Educational Needs and Disability in Irish-medium Education,’ which examines in depth the numerous issues faced by the sector regarding SEN and presents a range of solutions. A copy of the report can be accessed here: Research
Questions from the Education Committee not only focused on SEN but also on work ongoing in the Department of Education on a strategy for Irish-medium education. CnaG will continue to advocate for a comprehensive strategy that will address the many issues facing the sector, not only in regards to SEN but also challenges relating to workforce, accommodation and teaching & learning resources.
Pictured below, from left, are Ciarán Mackin and Jordy Ó Cathain, the Assembly translators, who provided a translation service for the CnaG’s presentation; Maria Thomasson, CEO and Orla Nig Fhearraigh, SEO.
