436. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education the reason foetal alcohol spectrum disorder is not recognised as a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16563/25]

Michael Moynihan, Minister of State at the Department of Education: This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.

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

The NCSE provides support for teachers with additional training needs in the area of special education, through the NCSE support service which manages, co-ordinates and develops a range of supports in response to identified teacher training needs.

This includes Teacher Professional Learning (TPL). The NCSE continues to update current TPL courses and design new courses in response to the needs of teachers.

Detailed information on the comprehensive programme of TPL seminars on a variety of special educational needs topics is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie/tpl.

The NCSE provides a suite of professional learning opportunities for school leaders and teachers, which in turn, aims to improve educational experiences and outcomes for all students. In the past number of months the NCSE has engaged with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Ireland, which has resulted in a heightened awareness and the upskilling of NCSE staff on the disorder and the learning needs associated with it. 

The NCSE offers bespoke in-school support. Schools seeking tailored or specific training should contact the NCSE locally to arrange such supports.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.