Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
379. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Education the progress made in the development of a central applications system for parents seeking special class or school places for 2026, as was committed to in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15097/25]
View answerThis 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.
As you are aware a new taskforce to support the forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area has been established. The Dublin 15 area has experienced significant increases in population growth in recent years, with high levels of migration into the area and includes areas with social disadvantage.
The area covers 5 local school planning areas (LSPAs) in which there are 47 schools - 32 mainstream primary schools, 13 post primary schools and 2 special schools. There are 11 different patrons of the 47 schools in these 5 LSPAs. Therefore, it is an ideal area to trial and pilot best approaches towards better forward planning and information sharing regarding special education provision.
Instrumentally, the taskforce will consider the development of a common application system for admission to primary special classes. Thirteen primary schools in the local area are being supported by the NCSE in trialling a common application system. The voice of parents will be a key component throughout all elements of the taskforce. Parent representation on the taskforce includes representatives from the Autism School Dublin 15 (ASD15) group, the National Parents Council and parents from the local area.
The taskforce is committed to communicating its findings to both Minister McEntee and I no later than quarter two this year. Once it has done so we can examine its viability and try to progress the development of a common application system for a larger cohort.
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.
