788. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider a route 2 amendment to include criteria and allow post primary registration for special class or HUB teaching positions (only) with the criteria's (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41967/26]

The Teaching Council register teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the Regulations.

The Teaching Council registers teachers under the five routes of registration, and my department applies the routes of registration to the sectors to attract the qualified rates of pay. Details can be found in the relevant department terms and conditions circulars, including the limited circumstances in which schools can employ teachers who are not registered for that sector. My department does not categorise special classes or units as a distinct sector for employment/terms and conditions.

Central to department policy is that all teachers teaching children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) should be qualified Primary or Post-primary teachers in the first instance. Once qualified as a Primary or Post-primary teachers, they may then apply for professional development in the area of SEN, if desired.

The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided.

In accordance with department Circular 44/2019 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/recruitmentpromotion-and-leadership-for-registered-teachers-in-recognised-primary-schools/) and Circular 31/2011 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/teacher-recruitment-registration-and-qualifications/), schools are required to employ appropriately qualified teachers.

Cognisant that teacher education policies vary among countries, Route 4 of the Registration Regulations provides for teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland with an initial teacher education programme in teaching children with special educational needs. Applicants who gain registration under this route can work in restricted school settings such as certain categories of special schools and certain classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2004/act/30/enacted/en/html) provides that people with special educational needs are educated in an inclusive environment, as far as possible and have the same right to access and benefit from education as children who don’t have these needs.

Providing inclusive education to children with special educational needs is a fundamental principle of the education system. This principle is observed through department policies, Teaching Council requirements for initial teacher education, curriculum provision and the range of supports provided to schools by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and Oide.

My department is committed to ensuring that all teachers, at primary and post-primary level, have the skills they need to support the diverse needs of all our children and young people in our schools. It is critical that our teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to continue to deliver high quality and inclusive education.