Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2025
95. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the number of special education classes currently available at second level schools in Dublin Bay north; the projections for the number of special classes expected to be required in the area for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 school years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34851/25]
View answerAs you are aware 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.
Budget 2025 secured funding for up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools, and an additional 300 special school places for the 2025/26 school year. This will deliver 2,700 new places for children. It is expected that this level of new provision will continue to be required over the coming years.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised that there are 18 special classes at post-primary level in Dublin Bay North. The vast majority of these classes are autism classes and have a teacher/student ration of 1:6.
Demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. My department has over recent years continuously communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school.
My department and the NCSE continue to engage with schools and school management bodies in relation to the provision of future special classes and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
