25th March 2025
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has today attended an introductory meeting with the Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan T.D. The meeting was sought by the union to discuss a wide range of issues pertinent to primary and special education.
Among the topics discussed were the ongoing review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, establishing new special classes and special schools, the urgent necessity for dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinators in primary schools, and enhanced in-school counselling, psychological, and therapeutic supports. The discussion also covered the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Workforce Development Plan, professional learning for teachers in inclusive education, and smoother transitions for pupils moving from pre-school to primary and post-primary education.
The INTO took the opportunity to present the Minister with a copy of the organisation’s recently published Special Education Policy and a briefing document setting out the union’s key asks of the new government.
The meeting was attended by the INTO President Carmel Browne, member of the Central Executive Committee and principal teacher Siobhan Buckley, Assistant General Secretary Sheila Murphy and General Secretary John Boyle.
Speaking after the meeting the General Secretary stated that the INTO welcomed the opportunity to have a detailed discussion with Minister Moynihan and valued his commitment to have regular engagements with the INTO in the period ahead.
We left the Minister in no doubt that we still have a long way to travel in this country before all pupils with additional needs are in receipt of the assistance and resources they require to thrive in primary and special schools and all teachers have the supports they require to achieve the optimum for their pupils. We urged him to implement the commitments made in the programme for government as early as possible and to work closely with the INTO during his tenure as Minister.