Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
168. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education places available at second level in each of the counties of Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Tipperary, Galway, Roscommon, Meath and Westmeath for the upcoming school year of 2026/2027, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55922/25]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs. The NCSE is currently collating the data and information received through the parents notify process and are engaging with schools regarding where specialist provision is best placed for the 2026/27 school year. It is envisioned that the majority of these special classes will be sanctioned by 31 December.
407 new special classes were sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. This means there are now over 3,740 special classes nationwide, 2,629 at primary level and 1,112 at post-primary level. A list of all mainstream schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE [website].
In addition, each county has a number of special schools educating students with the most complex of needs. These schools now offer a greater range of national curriculum subjects to include junior and senior cycle programmes for students of post-primary age.
In 2026, over €3 billion will be spent supporting children with special educational needs. It will ensure that specialist capacity continues to grow by providing 3,000 specialist places. The majority of these places will be available in special classes within mainstream schools and a substantial number will be allocated to schools at post-primary level.
I urge any parent still seeking placement for either this school year or the 2026/27 school year to make contact with the NCSE who will provide guidance and support with securing a placement.
