Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
448. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to give an explanation that of the 399 new special classes due to open in September, only two are designated for students with mild general learning disabilities at post-primary level; the reason both are being established in the same school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37905/25]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
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 class and special school places are provided.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
Under the new parents notification process introduced this year, the NCSE now have a clearer lens on the level of need for post-primary special class places and the type of special class being sought. The NCSE continue to advise that the vast majority of children and young people being notified to them require an autism special class.
Through the provision of 15,000 special education teachers in our mainstream classes, more children and young people with special educational needs are being supported in mainstream classes with their peers.
My Department and the NCSE will continue to monitor the level of need for post-primary special classes for the 2026/2027 school year and beyond.
