Courts / Dublin / Report

Almost one-third of NCAD students have 'self declared additional needs', tribunal hears

Summary

At the Workplace Relations Commission, a senior NCAD administrator revealed that about 32% of the college's 1,400 students self‑declared additional needs. The testimony focused on Ellie Dunne, a 25‑year‑old artist with Down Syndrome who enrolled in September 2023 as the first student with that condition at NCAD. Dunne failed a first‑year module and the college could not "wipe the slate clean"; instead it offered her a re‑sit without penalty and increased support‑worker hours from two to five days a week. Dunne's parents, who felt the college had discriminated against her, threatened to damage the college's reputation. The college's director and head of academic affairs explained the college's accommodation policies and the procedural steps taken, and the case was adjourned to further hearings in October.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Almost one-third of NCAD students have 'self declared additional needs', tribunal hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• September 2023 Other
• January 2025 Other
• 2025-06-19 Publication

Why: "If Ellie didn't know, it was because she was not told by her parents? CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report