Ann Graves
Question:542. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Education and Youth the options which are available to ensure a person (details supplied) will get a place in an appropriate school in the local area. [8255/26]
View answerWednesday, 4 February 2026
Questions (542)
Written answers
Enabling 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.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. NCSE have begun sanctioning new special classes this month, which is several months ahead of last year. 263 have been sanctioned to date and many more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes.
Of the 263 new special classes, 173 are being established in primary schools and 90 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 58 new special classes confirmed for Dublin so far. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The NCSE has advised that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is working closely with the family of the student named regarding options for school placements and other special education supports for the coming school year.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.