Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has urged the Department of Health and Department of Education to take urgent action to ensure children with special educational needs (SEN) in Irish-medium schools are not left behind.

Speaking after a joint meeting of the Health and Education Committees on Wednesday, the party’s early years spokesperson said:

“Children with SEN who learn through the medium of Irish face unique challenges, and deserve to be properly supported.

“Irish-medium schools need access to bilingual educational psychologists and other health professionals to ensure their pupils get the support they need. 

“However, the comments made at yesterday’s meeting were deeply disappointing. There appears to be no clear understanding of how many allied health professionals are currently working within the Irish-medium sector, nor any plan to address the serious gaps which exist in it.

“While it is welcome that the Department of Education has acknowledged these issues, recognition alone is not enough. These children cannot be left behind due to a lack of services.

“The department must act now, put the necessary support in place and ensure children with SEN who are learning through the medium of Irish are given the best opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”