Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has said that the Department of Education’s new guidelines for Understanding Behaviours of Concern fails to protect the rights of children with a disability in Irish classrooms.

Echoing concerns voiced by Inclusion Ireland, AsiAm and others, Deputy Clarke was responding this morning in Leinster House following the publication of long overdue guidelines and regulations on the use of seclusion and restraint in Irish schools.

Teachta Clarke said:

“This circular has been published at a time when there is no Dáil or Education Committee in place to properly scrutinise or question the content and potential impact on children in our schools. That is not only a missed opportunity but the timing is deeply concerning given the length of time that these guidelines were being reviewed.

“The ongoing delays in providing these guidelines was shocking and to read a circular that falls short of ensuring that no child will be subject to the practice of seclusion and restraint that has a devastating impact on them is unjustifiable in this day and age.

“There is a clear disparity between what will be required in a school setting in terms of training and scrutiny as what already exists in other areas such as health or social care.

“It is also deeply concerning that the NCSE, despite potentially receiving information pertaining to child protection, will not have a formal referral pathway to Tusla, the statutory agency, to investigate such concerns.

“I have previously called for a ‘rigorous, child-centred, rights-based system of training and regulation’ programme for teachers and schools to better prepare them to understand and meet the needs of Autistic and neurodivergent children. The need for this is urgent in every school.

“The lack of robust guidance and regulation will continue to have a detrimental impact on children with a disability. Guidance and regulation is needed without delay which protects children and young people and complies with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

“Our schools are no doubt better places for all children because of inclusion due to the thousands of special education teachers and SNAs all across the state that are 100% dedicated to the children in their care. But they need support and guidance – the government is failing them.”