Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
72. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reasons the NCSE does not provide figures in relation to the number of students in post-primary schools who have a recommendation of requiring a special class place but do not currently have that place; if her Department intends to endeavour to collate this information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6832/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs 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 students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students 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 advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the national agency with responsibility for the provision of special education places. For the 2025/26 school year the NCSE sanctioned 406 new special classes bringing to 3,741 the number of special classes in our schools. Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now over 30,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. 2,700 new places were created for the 2025/26 school year and these, together with the over 1,200 existing places due to students moving on from primary schools and post-primary schools, has meant that close to 4,000 specialist places were made available for the 2025/26 school year.
Any family seeking a placement is urged to contact the NCSE via the contact details available on the NCSE's website: (https://ncse.ie/seno-contact-information). Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to provide the location of these vacancies and advice as to the supports available to students with special educational needs.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information provided through the Parents Notify process which closed on 1 October to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year. The NCSE will also consider vacant places in existing special classes and places that will become available through the regular transition of children from primary to post-primary schools. This analysis is ongoing and when completed the NCSE will be equipped to engage with schools to open new special classes in relevant areas.
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.
