Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
416. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department can instruct the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to provide an eligibility letter for a special school placement in a case with exceptional circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73292/25]
View answer417. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has had any engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regarding allowing eligibility letters for special school placement to be provided after the October 1st deadline in cases with exceptional circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73293/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
An earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the Parents Notify process this year. I understand this earlier date may not suit every family. However, it was introduced to ensure the NCSE can provide clarity for families earlier than in previous years. It will also support forward planning and equip the NCSE with timely information as to what students would be leaving school, transitioning to post-primary specialist places or those seeking specialist placement and entering the education system for the first time.
This information is critical when examining where provision needs to be placed to meet demand. This earlier date in October coincides with when schools begin enrolment processes so affords parents the opportunity to enrol in existing classes. Many mainstream schools, particularly at post-primary level commence admissions processes for the following school year on 1 October annually.
The new timeline will afford greater lead in times for schools that require repurposing or major building works to get works complete and allow schools to recruit staff and undertake the training needed so that children are fully supported in these placements. It is expected that the NCSE will sanction many of these special classes by 31 December 2025.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children and young people made known to them after 1 October in their existing placement with appropriate supports. However, it is critical that the NCSE has as much local information as possible, as early as possible, to effectively plan what new provision.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation as to where new specialist provision is required.
