Special education policy in the Republic of Ireland and the influence of Circular 8/99 on a developing national educational psychology service

Abstract

This paper describes special education policy in the Republic oflreland. It also considers trends and developments in the provision for children with special educational needs as outlined in Circular 8/99 and will look at some of the intended and unintended consequences of this policy document. A range of implications is considered for individual psychologist practices and for a developing National Educational Psychological Service.