Educational Services for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Rural and Urban Areas of the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

We have examined the history of education service provision in the Republic of Ireland for persons with intellectual disabilities. We distinguished between children with mild or general learning difficulties and those with severe and profound intellectual disabilities as the development of educational services for these two groups has differed dramatically. Distinctions between rural and urban educational systems were made where appropriate. We have purposefully neglected to address services for students with moderate intellectual disabilities as we believe that those services for students with mild and severe intellectual disabilities will give the reader an overall flavour of educational services in Ireland within the context of this brief report. The current context of educational service provision in Ireland has also been highlighted with recent debates and suggestions for future development presented.