Down Syndrome Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Down Syndrome Ireland

Date published 18 Sep, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026

Specific Details National imbalance in special class planning and allocation and the lack of suitable class options for children with Down syndrome at both primary and post-primary level

Intended results -Review the current balance of special class provision nationally -Commit to increasing the number of non-autism special classes -Prioritise the development of Multiple Intellectual Disabilities classes -Explore the development of specialised communication and speech/language focused class models suitable for children with Down syndrome -Ensure future special education planning reflects a broader range of disability profiles and educational needs -Engage with Down Syndrome Ireland on this

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr Fidelma Brady, Aidan Stacey, Ruth Hickey

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

In person meeting at Leinster House at 3pm on May 26th

Email (2-5)

Follow up emails to NCSE requesting the following information: a) getting data around the NCSE’s engagement with school principals and the outcomes of that needs assessment process; b) the numbers of children with Down syndrome who have actually applied for special class placement through the NCSE portal for September 2026

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

John Kearney Chief Executive Officer (The National Council for Special Education)

Michael Moynihan Minister of State (Department of Education)