Ireland’s Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, has announced a series of new measures to strengthen inclusive education for autistic pupils, following the publication of a major Inspectorate report on special classes in primary schools.
Inspectorate Report Findings
The report, Special Classes for Autistic Pupils in Primary Schools: Towards a Coherent, Inclusive System, was published on 3 November 2025 after evaluations in 30 primary schools between September 2024 and February 2025. Inspectors found many examples of good teaching, innovative learning approaches, and strong assessment practices. However, in about half of the schools, three areas for improvement were identified:
- Greater opportunities for autistic pupils to learn alongside peers
- A broader and more balanced curriculum
- Stronger monitoring and review of pupil progress
The report emphasises the need for a whole-of-system vision for autism education, including enhanced teacher training and regular reviews of pupil placement in special classes.
Ministerial Commitments
Minister Helen McEntee reaffirmed her commitment to building a fully inclusive education system where every pupil is valued and supported. She announced three key policy documents to guide this work:
- An implementation plan arising from the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act
- A workforce development plan for Special Needs Assistants
- A roadmap for inclusion, developed with the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education under the EU’s Technical Support Instrument
As part of Budget 2026, postgraduate places in special education and autism will expand to 390 annually, strengthening expertise across schools.
Growth in Special Classes
Since 2020, the number of special classes for autistic pupils has almost doubled, with an average of 235 new classes opening each year. At the time of the evaluations, there were nearly 2,000 special classes in Irish primary schools.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Chief Inspector Yvonne Keating welcomed the progress but stressed the need to clarify the role of special classes within an inclusive system. She noted that while many schools provide high-quality environments, the findings highlight the importance of system-wide consistency.
Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, also endorsed the report, urging schools to make full use of professional learning opportunities offered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), Middletown Centre for Autism, and Oide. He confirmed that the Autism Good Practice Guidance published in 2022 will be reviewed and updated.
Outlook
The measures announced are intended to ensure that Ireland’s education system continues to evolve towards greater inclusivity, with a focus on teacher training, curriculum development, and accountability. The government has positioned these reforms as central to its Education 2025 strategy, aiming to guarantee that every child—regardless of need—can thrive in school.
Department-of-Education-Ireland-Picture-by-Jean-Housen
