Helen McEntee
Meath East · Fine Gael · Ireland
“There are no new missions, so there is only so much we can partake in. In regard to UN requests over the past ten years, in September 2019, we had 14 Defence Forces personnel deployed to a UN mission in Mali as part of a joint operation with the German armed forces.”
“I thank the Deputy for his continued engagement on this matter. It is appreciated and I reaffirm our shared commitment to truth and justice, not least for Private Rooney, but in particular for his family.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I know he is committed to this issue; I am too. I have in recent months spent some time travelling to different barracks and Army bases and meeting with personnel. What I see all over the country is their professionalism, dedication and commitment.”
“I disagree that people are being pushed into the courts. The situation is exactly the opposite. I have said in the Chamber many times since I started taking these questions that the State Claims Agency is there and wants to mediate and work directly with people in order that cases do not go directly to the courts.”
“We are all committed to strengthening recruitment to and supporting retention in the Permanent Defence Force. The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,823 personnel on 31 May, the most recent date for which we have a figure available.”
“It is the case that no mission is the same, so it is also a matter for the Defence Forces to assess and scope out the mission and then to decide whether it is a mission we can partake in. A question keeps being asked about what it is we would not be able to be a part of if we were to keep the triple lock.”
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“Ireland maintains regular and constructive dialogue with UK authorities at all levels on a wide range of matters. In the last week, I have engaged with my UK counterpart since taking up office and I look forward to meeting with the UK's Foreign Secretary, Ms Yvette Cooper, shortly to take forward our co-operation on a range of foreign policy issues. An important area of engagement between the UK and Ireland is on Middle East policy, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I particularly welcome the British Government's decision in September to formally recognise the State of Palestine and its active engagement in the 20-point peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council on 17 November. I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza as an important step on the road to peace.”
“Within that, we see our relationship with the US as being a vital support to that and vital for us, not just in economic terms but in cultural terms and in so many other ways as well. Whether it is through the US trade council or our engagement on climate, cultural affairs or other areas, we will ensure that, through the Presidency and at every other stage, we are prioritising and working on that relationship, irrespective of who is in the US Administration.”
“I assure the Deputy and others that we will always work hard to maintain, enhance and grow what is a strong and important relationship to us, namely, the Irish-US relationship. We see in that an opportunity to strengthen and grow the EU-US relationship as well. Only this week, at the European Foreign Affairs Trade Council, we had a visit from Ambassador Greer and Secretary Lutnick and there were warm discussions and engagement, despite the fact that we have had a challenging number of months in our trade and in the overall position we find ourselves in now. What is clear from that engagement is that the relationship between the US and EU is a lasting relationship and one of the most important relationships.”
“Again, I encourage those who perhaps are not in this House to make sure their voices are heard through the online submission process. I will make sure that in my work in my Department - we are co-ordinating all of this - as many opportunities as possible are made available to everyone to be able to shape the overall agenda, including when it comes to climate and sustainability.”
“There is still significant time to be able to shape that agenda because we will not have our final policies set out until June. We have six months to make sure that we are clear as to what we want on the agenda and that we are following on from items that are currently being discussed. There have been in-person meetings to date. For example, the Tánaiste had a large meeting with IBEC where there were representatives from climate and sustainability organisations and individual Ministers. The Minister for climate is having meetings and discussions. I have no doubt that each individual committee will be able either to make a submission or have a face-to-face engagement with the relevant Ministers to make sure that, as we develop our policy priorities, the elected representatives in this House have their voices heard clearly on the agenda.”
“These will include a summit of the European Political Community, an informal meeting of the European Council and up to 22 informal ministerial meetings. The Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency. I am confident that in 2026, Ireland will be able to make a significant and positive contribution in leading the EU’s agenda.”
“I recognise the importance, in particular, of ensuring that stakeholder groups also have their voices heard. We need to make sure that everyone in Ireland feels they have an opportunity to have their say and be part of the overall discussion and work. A series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups has recently taken place. A call for written submissions on the development of Ireland’s policy priorities, hosted on gov.ie , launched on 5 November and will run until 12 December. I encourage anybody who wants to have their say to take part in that online consultation. Work is also under way to prepare for more than 250 meetings that will be hosted in Ireland during the Presidency.”
“They will also be shaped by our own priorities across an array of areas, including but not limited to, the protection of EU values at home and abroad, the enlargement of the Union, European security and the competitiveness and simplification agenda, which covers a wide range of areas including housing, the delivery of infrastructure, agriculture and many other areas. It is important to stress, however, that our policy programme will only be finalised and published shortly before the start of our Presidency term in June 2026. The Deputy will appreciate that many things change, many issues come off the agenda because they are concluded and other issues need to be further addressed. We need to take that into account in setting out our final priorities.”
“I thank the Deputy. As he outlined, Ireland will hold the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026. This is an important opportunity and, as the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am looking forward to engaging actively on our policy and operational preparations. My engagement with officials in the Department has already started. I am determined that we will make the most of our Presidency to shape the EU agenda. The priorities and policy programme for our Presidency will take into account the EU’s strategic agenda for 2024 to 2029 and the legislative work programme of the European Commission.”
“I assure Deputies that once I have the legal advice from the Attorney General and the results of the work being done to look at the overall regulatory impact assessment, and once I assess that and the huge body work that was done by the committee - I acknowledge that, and my colleagues who put considerable work into pre-legislative scrutiny - we will be able to work collectively to bring forward legislation and ensure that our overall commitment to support Palestine and a two-state solution, and to bring about a lasting solution, can be front and centre in what we do here.”
“There is more we can do, and can continue to do, to ensure that those who need our help the most get it immediately and that our actions have an impact. The Government has not been shy about saying that collective responses have a greater impact. We have been working with our European colleagues to ensure there is clearly an item on the table to remove preferential tariffs from Israel if it continues in the same vein. That needs to remain on the table. Ursula von der Leyen's most recent comments expressed that it was something that must remain on the table. In terms of the legislation, there are certain things that still need to be completed.”
“Ireland has always done what has been the right thing to do, including in recognising Palestine and encouraging other member states to do so. I am pleased that so many other member states have done that. We have provided financial assistance. We were one of the first member states to support the South African case. We have ensured that at every step of the way, we have done the right thing. We will consistently continue to do the right thing. I intend to write to my colleague, the High Representative, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Council, in relation to humanitarian aid. Given the update I received this week, I am not happy that we are doing enough to ensure more aid is getting to those who need it the most.”
“I do not think it is any secret that our colleagues in the United States of America do not support this legislation. It is no secret that many states have anti-boycott legislation and have been clear about how this would be enacted. I do not think we should ignore that. At the same time, Ireland has always done what is the right thing in terms of-----”
“Deputies can be assured of my commitment to making sure that we make progress and continue to support the Palestinian people in what is an absolutely dire situation at the moment.”
“I will work with colleagues on all sides of the House. I am absolutely clear that as a country, we need to do everything in our power to bring what is a very fragile ceasefire to a more permanent ceasefire. We need to ensure that we continue to use whatever levers are available to us to hold people accountable. I acknowledge that, since the ceasefire, there have been killings of innocent civilians. That is why the measures against the EU-Israel agreement are firmly on the table. This issue was raised at the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. I am pleased to say that it is still firmly on the agenda. Other colleagues and I made it clear that it needed to remain on the agenda because we cannot have a situation where the ceasefire is broken on either side.”
“In terms of the legislation itself, I, as Minister, have in the past week given a clear commitment that we will fulfil our commitments in the programme for Government. Deputies will appreciate that I have only been in the Department for a week. I am looking for the advice of the Attorney General on services. We have always been clear that enacting the legislation in terms of services is more complex. I await the advice of the Attorney General. I have not received the draft Bill but anticipate I will receive it soon. I expect the work that is being carried out on the impact assessment to be ready soon. The Deputies will appreciate that I have only been in the Department for a week. I want to ensure that I have all of the information available to me to be able to progress this legislation.”
“The Government's position has been clear that our overall objective is a two-state solution. We have been working towards that for some time and not just in recent years. It has always been our goal and objective. That is why we recognised the State of Palestine. It is why we are doing everything to ensure that this peace is lasting. It is why we will be hosting a global alliance summit in January, bringing together Heads of State to show how we have, on our own island, progressed a peaceful resolution to what was a long-lasting conflict. We want to do everything in our power to ensure the territorial integrity of Palestine is upheld. That will be our continued goal and objective.”
“The primary focus at EU level right now is ensuring the success of the ceasefire and peace deal, and of making a contribution to international efforts in this regard, as well as making sure that the humanitarian aid that is so badly needed does not just continue to flow but increases. There are significant concerns about the number of young people who will face starvation if the number of trucks does not increase significantly. It is essential that peace be given a chance to succeed. It is essential that the humanitarian aid and assistance that are needed are allowed to enter Gaza. The Government in Ireland will do everything in our power to ensure we support both of these objectives.”
“We obviously know that those measures were introduced prior to the ceasefire, but those announcements by the Dutch, Spanish, Slovenian and Belgian Governments were welcome. We are working with all of them. Notwithstanding the positive and welcome developments with regard to the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, Ireland has also made clear its view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed by the Commission in response to Israeli human rights and other breaches on the table. It is an issue that Ireland raised and led the charge on. We want to ensure a significant response and to keep those measures on the table. They are very much firmly on the table.”
“This is something that I want to receive, but I made it very clear at the very outset when being appointed to this role that I intended to fulfil our commitment in the programme for Government to enact this legislation. We must also take account of practical issues with regard to the implementation should services be included in the scope of the Bill. It remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at an EU level and we continue to pursue this. In this context, Ireland has welcomed the announcements by the Dutch, Spanish, Slovenian and Belgian Governments regarding the banning of the importation of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements.”
“The regulatory impact assessment is also currently being finalised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and will be available on the Department’s website when completed, which I hope will be soon. The next steps in the process, including the timeline for the progress of the Bill, are being considered by the Government. The general scheme fulfils our commitment in the programme for Government to prohibit the import of goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Trade in services is considerably more complex than is the case with goods and there remains considerable legal uncertainty as to whether the inclusion of services is permissible under EU law. Legal clarity is needed on this point.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 4 together. In June, the Government approved the general scheme of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill. The main purpose of the Bill is to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade held a number of hearings on the general scheme and received submissions representing a range of views and perspectives. Pre-legislative scrutiny is an important part of the legislative process and the Tánaiste thanked the committee for its report on receipt. Detailed work to analyse the report and its recommendations is well underway.”
“We will also provide the non-lethal support that is needed. We are also being very strong in our support for Ukraine's accession. It is really important that Ukraine and others see its pathway towards membership of the European Union. From the outset, we have been very strong in providing that support and we want to make sure that continues. It is something that we will be focusing on very strongly throughout our Presidency.”
“We will continue to support all efforts towards a peaceful resolution. In the meantime, and separate to and in conjunction with that, there are other ways in which we can provide support and assistance. In relation to the forcibly transported or deported Ukrainian children, we will continue to raise this at every avenue possible. We have been clear in condemning what is the absolutely horrific crime of taking young children from their families. We are engaging with UN agencies to try to find other solutions to this issue and I will consistently raise it with my colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council, through our UN agencies and with the High Representative. In terms of other ways in which we are providing support, we will continue to provide financial support, making sure that we provide the humanitarian aid needed in Ukraine.”
“I genuinely welcome the engagement of the United States and its efforts to bring forward a peace agreement. Again, I have to stress that the 28-point plan that we initially saw over the weekend very clearly had elements that needed further work. The engagement of EU member states, the United States, Ukraine and the EU institutions in discussions is welcome, as is the clear indication from President Trump more recently that the deadline of today is no longer a deadline. I think it shows a clear commitment on all sides, separate to Russia, to reach that agreement. We need to make sure all sides are putting pressure on Russia to come around the table to realise that long-lasting peace and to make sure that it is a peace that will not just have strong implications for Ukraine, but for the EU and the European region in general.”
“I agree with the Deputy's initial comments. My own view, and I think that of many member states, as was reflected in our recent meeting, is that the actions of Russia indicate that it is not a country that is seeking peace. That is very clear, not just from the fact that innocent civilians have been killed in recent days and weeks but also the fact that there continue to be persistent hybrid threats to neighbouring member states. Our friends in Poland told us very clearly of the blowing up of a trainline and only for one device not detonating, there would have been significant casualties. Similarly, hybrid threats are happening at airports in nearby countries, such as Lithuania and others. These are not the actions of a country that wants peace.”
“It is welcome that assurances have been given that the EU and Europe will be involved in discussions on issues that directly affect us, including enlargement and immobilised assets. The Taoiseach and I remain in close contact with our European and Ukrainian counterparts. The Taoiseach took part in a meeting of the European Council on 24 November and attended a meeting of the coalition of the willing on 25 November, which was on the margins of the EU-African Union Summit. I will revert to the Deputy on further engagements.”
“It is crucial that any agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld. Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security. That means strong, credible guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to avoid a repetition of the past. As the Deputy said, while the proposals in the plan put forward by the United States are welcome, there are very clearly areas that need further work. I am sure that is exactly what is happening at the moment. This is not just vital for Ukraine, it is also vital for the European Union and all member states, including Ireland.”
“I welcome the ongoing efforts of President Trump and the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to achieve just and lasting peace and security, not just for Ukraine, but for the EU and Europe more widely. It is more important than ever that Europe and the United States continue to work together to achieve this. The emerging US proposals, as well as plans for further negotiations, represent a step forward. I welcome the progress made at Sunday’s meeting between the US and Ukraine in Geneva. We look forward to these talks continuing in a positive manner and to further progress being achieved. Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian military assault on its towns, cities, ports and critical energy infrastructure.”
“I thank the Deputy. I look forward to working with him and our colleagues on many matters. At this critical juncture for Ukraine, after almost four years of brutal Russian aggression, I want to emphasise Ireland’s unequivocal support and solidarity with Ukraine. This something I have emphasised a number of times, most recently when I attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 November where Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, Andrii Sybiha, spoke about recent Russian attacks against Ukraine. A meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which took place yesterday was also addressed by the foreign affairs minister.”
“We must make that available while at the same time acknowledging there are some students who just need a bit of extra time. We need to make sure we are providing that for them. I am working with Members and am absolutely committed to making sure we get this across the line.”
“I did not write it down but I hope I get Senator Nelson Murray's quote right that if we cannot teach students the way that they learn then we make sure we teach the way that they learn. That really has to be the most important thing here. We are working intensively with the SEC to make sure things can be in place for students next year. The wider review is still taking place. There will be a huge amount of engagement on further changes to the RACE scheme that are needed for other types of accommodations and accessing them. The point was made earlier that these supports are needed not just at exam time but throughout the school year. A Senator asked how we make it easier and more accessible for students, and how we make sure we have the right funding and the right topic resources are put in place throughout the year.”
“This will be for everybody who fits the eligibility criteria and will not just take into account students with dyslexia and dyscalculia but will, of course, apply to many other students. If you think of the figures colleagues have mentioned already, there are thousands of people who have, it but if you look at the number of students who have already got additional accommodations, there are many more students other than those with dyslexia and dyscalculia who may need that extra time. It is about making sure it is based on what is the need. Fundamentally, having met many students who have campaigned - Senators have also met with them - it is important we get this right for them. Going back to the basics and what I said at the outset, every student is supported to achieve their full potential.”
“Those eligible for additional time will be identified through the RACE application process. It is expected the new scheme will be available for many of the candidates already being accommodated in the RACE scheme and in receipt of other access arrangements. The SEC is grateful for the support of schools in making these applications and in supporting students with special educational needs in accessing these. It is important to recognise the significant input of schools to the delivery of accommodations. I have mentioned the number of centres, staff and people like that who are required here. More broadly, in the very core element of this, there will be additional time. Students will know very soon what these criteria are, how they will be applied and it will not be for a small cohort on a pilot basis.”
“This will also help inform arrangements for 2027 and beyond without being limited to only students with dyslexia and dyscalculia. The intention of the scheme of additional time has been confirmed in the RACE instructions for schools that went out last month. I note the motion before us references a request from the SEC to students with dyslexia and dyscalculia. However, it is important to clarify that where students need accommodations, they need to apply through the normal route now. This is the process by which accommodations are provided. Schools themselves are well versed in RACE. They know how to apply and exactly which students need that support. They have been advised to ensure they put in those applications and that students are ready and available for when those new criteria are set.”
“We will have those criteria very soon and it will apply to those who are already applying now. I know this message was sent out but I encourage students to apply in the normal way now to ensure they get their RACE accommodations, separate from the time we are talking about now. Once the criteria are set, they will automatically apply to those students. They need to ensure they are applying for their accommodations now. Appropriate eligibility criteria are being worked on. As I said, these will be needs-based rather than being limited to any specific condition. This means any new arrangements will be available for all students who meet the criteria. Again, the word “pilot” does not necessarily fit. It is not going to be a certain cohort or sample. It will apply to all young people who meet those criteria.”
“There is significant engagement through the overall group in making sure we get this right. Already for the 2025 examinations, additional time for vision-impaired candidates, who are supported by the visiting teacher service, was increased from ten minutes to 15 minutes per hour or part of an hour for junior cycle, leaving certificate applied and leaving certificate. These arrangements were introduced for all students nationally who were deemed eligible. I very recently – in fact, just last week - met with the State Examinations Commission in relation to the commitment and the RACE review. The SEC has confirmed it is working intensively on a scheme of additional time which will be piloted for the 2026 examinations. I appreciate students who are sitting the exams want to know now.”
“I assure Senators that as part of this review the SEC is taking account of the commitment I have mentioned which we are all discussing here and that is how we make sure students who need extra time get that extra time. It is being directed by the board of commissioners of the SEC and overseen by a steering group, with the terms of reference published on the SEC website. As it is much broader than this, the group is chaired by the CEO of the SEC and is composed of external members drawn from government, academic and international organisations and internal SEC members. To be clear, this organisation is meeting with and engaged with not just individual students but also Dyslexia Ireland, Dyspraxia Ireland, the Children’s Rights Alliance and the Ombudsman for Children's Office.”
“The extensive range of accommodations available for candidates with learning difficulties, including candidates with dyslexia and dyscalculia, includes a reader, a reading assistant, an exam reading pen, a word processor, a recording device, additional time for any candidate using a scribe and a spelling, punctuation and grammar waiver. The comprehensive review of the scheme that began last February and which looks not just at the extent of additional time but at other areas as well is being undertaken in the context of our overall senior cycle redevelopment which started this September with the first seven subjects. The wider special educational needs policy landscape is also being taken into consideration.”
“This has demonstrated a clear responsiveness – perhaps not at the rate and speed people want – but certainly running a large State examinations operation on whose integrity the Irish education system depends. Candidates who have learning difficulties, including dyslexia, are provided with accommodation on the grounds of a learning difficulty without the need for any diagnosis. This is established criteria, such as a standard score test for reading and writing which is conducted by the school. This is why I mentioned the bar and how it is set. We compare quite favourably to other jurisdictions.”
“Recent changes have included the introduction of deferred examinations for leaving certificate candidates who missed their examinations because they might have had a close family bereavement, serious accident, illness or injury. We know students in recent years have been able to - I will not say benefit from it; these are students who have obviously gone through a difficult time - defer the exams. The SEC has also introduced a number of specific initiatives for candidates who are vision-impaired, including the provision of digital examination papers, as was mentioned, and the expansion scheme of additional time. It has happened in certain instances but I appreciate we need that much more broadly.”
“Alongside this, the number of special centres established – this is one of the challenges that emerges - to accommodate candidates increased by 1,000 this year, to more than 10,500. Where we are providing additional accommodations, we have to have the staff, the spaces and the ability to do that, and every year we are improving. Every year we are increasing and getting better. This is in addition to the main examination centres, of which there are now 6,000 overall across the country. I take the opportunity to recognise the huge amount of work done at exam times and in the delivery of State examinations, particularly the provision of accommodations, including those special centres I mentioned, of which there are many. Since the 2016 reform of the scheme, review and improvement has continued on an ongoing basis.”
“However, if you look back over the transformation that has taken place, back to 2003 and just over 20 years ago, only 5% of candidates were provided with reasonable accommodations. In 2012, that figure was at 13%. This year, there were almost 140,000 candidates, more than 36,000 of whom had accommodations. Now, more than one in four - over 25% - of students are getting support and accommodations. In conversations with colleagues, there has maybe been a suggestion that the bar has been set too high to achieve them but if one looks at other countries, we compare quite favourably, particularly in terms of dyslexia, dyscalculia or any other learning difficulties, in making sure that students who need those supports are able to get them.”
“The expectation is that applications for reasonable accommodations will be made by schools on behalf of candidates whose special needs have already been identified and who are being provided with appropriate learning interventions as part of a continuum of support in the school. Our special education teachers and other school staff working with students and special educational needs are best placed to identify those who may require accommodations. This reform has supported access to the scheme by candidates who need it. I accept the point that this has not always been the case and that, for a long time, students were not getting the support and access to it they needed.”
“That review resulted in a number of fundamental reforms being implemented. In particular, reform focused on ensuring greater integration of the RACE scheme with overall Department of Education and Youth special educational needs policy. Since that time, access to the scheme has been needs-based rather than diagnosis-based. The shift to a needs-based model has enabled greater access to the scheme for students with learning difficulties. It allows greater autonomy to schools and certainty to students about the examination supports which will be available to them. The application process, since this change, is now school-based. There is no diagnosis required, which is very important for students.”
“It is important to say this was a priority in negotiating the programme for Government and making sure this was a commitment we would all live up to. Certainly, I am committed to working with colleagues here in making sure that is the case. The focus on needs is an important one. The question often asked by colleagues is, “Can we not just carve out and decide a certain cohort of young people would get this?” There have been important changes in recent years which have moved us in a different direction, so the focus on needs is important. It reflects that accommodations under the RACE scheme are already provided on a needs basis, not on any specific diagnosis. This overall shift of the model occurred as a result of the last comprehensive review of the scheme, which took place less than ten years ago, before the 2016-17 school year.”
“In common with similar schemes which operate in other jurisdictions, the focus of the RACE scheme is on the need to remove barriers to accessing the examinations while at the same time retaining the need to assess the same underlying skills and competencies as all other candidates and to apply the same standards of achievement as apply to all other candidates. The range of accommodations provided within the scheme has been designed to ensure fairness for all when facilitating candidates in demonstrating their need and level of achievement. Ongoing review and improvement have to be a feature of the scheme and in this context, the SEC is currently taking account of the commitment in our programme for Government to address additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances.”
“Since its establishment in 2003, the State Examinations Commission, SEC, has had responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations. This responsibility includes supporting young people with special educational needs in taking their exams. Through the RACE scheme, which is at the core of today’s motion, the SEC has for many years facilitated access to the examinations by candidates who would have difficulty in accessing the examination or communicating what they know to an examiner, possibly because of a physical difficulty, medical, sensory, behavioural and mental health difficulties, or due to vision and hearing impairments or a general learning difficulty.”
“It also provides information on evidence-informed approaches to supporting students with literacy difficulties, again including students with dyslexia and dyscalculia. In addition, funding is available to schools for the purchase of the specialised equipment to assist children that many colleagues have mentioned. They can apply to the National Council for Special Education for such support through their local SENOs. My Department also has a funding agreement with Vision Ireland through which students with dyslexia can access resources such as audiobooks free of charge. Again, some of this was already mentioned. Separate from the range of supports I have just outlined, to support learning, students’ needs must also be recognised in the context of State examinations.”
“The NCSE provides a suite of teacher professional learning programmes, including programmes on supporting children with dyslexia in mainstream schools. The National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, has developed webinars on supporting children and young people with literacy difficulties and dyslexia and delivers them to teachers at primary and post-primary level. It is worth noting that upcoming webinars are scheduled for January and February next year. That is happening throughout the year. This training provides an overview of the NEPS resources available and helps participants to develop their understanding of how to support at all levels students who experience literacy difficulties, including students with dyslexia and dyscalculia.”