“If a special class is opening in a school taught through the medium of Irish, that class should be taught through the medium of Irish. That is clearly understood, certainly by me, and it should be understood by everybody”. 

This is what Michael Moynihan, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, with responsibility for special education and inclusion, had to say recently in response to a question from Deputy Sorca Clarke. Deputy Clarke was questioning a recommendation by the National Council for Special Education to an Irish-medium school that their autism class should be conducted through the medium of English.

Gaeloideachas has raised this issue in recent years with the Department, the NCSE, and with Minister Moynihan and the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee herself. The importance and urgency of clear guidance on this was emphasised.

Read the full discussion in the Dáil between Minister Moynihan and Sorca Clarke, T.D. here.