Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
749. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education her views on introducing neurodiversity lessons into the primary school curriculum to help young people learn about different conditions in a structured and inclusive manner. [13463/23]
View answerThe Department of Education is fully committed to creating safe and supportive environments in schools, that are welcoming and inclusive for every student including neuro-diverse students. A core value of the curriculum, across all levels of schooling in Ireland, is inclusivity and diversity. The curriculum at primary and post-primary is for all learners, from all backgrounds – regardless of their background.
The current primary SPHE curriculum dates from 1999. It does not make specific reference to neuro-diversity. But it does value diversity, it is founded on principles of inclusion and it promotes the use of inclusive and respectful language.
At primary level, the Primary Curriculum Framework was published Thursday 9 March and is available on curriculumonline.ie. This Framework will be the foundation for all curriculum specifications and Inclusive Education and Diversity constitutes one of the eight overarching principles for learning, teaching and assessment.
The NCCA will now begin work on the curricular area of Wellbeing in primary schools, which includes SPHE and RSE. This curriculum will be developed through the usual process involving all partners in education. Public consultation on a draft specification is expected to happen in 2024.
