Please take our Survey on Special Education – it will only take 2 minutes!

The government has confirmed that funding for special classes in 2026 and 2027 will not meet the level of need. This means more uncertainty for children who require additional supports - and more stress for families already under pressure.

Please fill out the petition below and let us know what you believe is most urgently needed. - Eoghan Kenny TD

First name

Last name

Email address

2. Which of the following best describes you?

Parent/Guardian

Teacher (Mainstream)

Special Education Teacher

SNA

School Leader

Therapist

Student

Other

3. What level of education are you responding about?

Early Years

Primary

Post-Primary

Special School

Further Education

4. How would you rate your overall experience of the special education system?

Very Positive

Somewhat Positive

Neutral

Somewhat Negative

Very Negative

5. How long did you wait for assessment or supports (if applicable)?

Under 3 months

3–6 months

6–12 months

Over 1 year

Still waiting

Not applicable

6. Have you experienced difficulty securing an appropriate school place?

Yes

Not applicable

7. What do you believe are the biggest issues in special education?

Select all the apply

Assessment delays

Lack of school places

Lack of SNAs

Lack of trained teachers

Access to therapies

Insufficient funding

Inclusion supports in mainstream schools

Transport

Other

8. Which of the following should be the top priorities for reform?

Select all that apply

Faster assessments

More special school places

More special classes in mainstream schools

Increased SNA numbers

In-school therapies

Mandatory special education training for all teachers

9. Have you had to seek private assessment or therapy due to public delays?

Yes

10. Where is the biggest gap between legal entitlement and real-world delivery?

Assessment timelines

Access to school places

Allocation of SNAs

Access to therapies

Appeals process

Communication from the Department/NCSE

I do not see a gap

11. What should the Labour Party do differently from the current Government to fix special education?

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