Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
215. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will direct the NCSE to provide the number of students in post-primary schools that have a recommendation of requiring a special class place, but do not currently have that place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8784/26]
View answer223. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will instruct the NCSE to provide a county by county (and by area code in Dublin) breakdown of special class numbers, covering the past five years, and relevant population stats for each county/area, broken down into primary and post-primary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8792/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 223 together.
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.
As the matter raised relates to a NCSE process. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such matters with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website
For the 2025/26 school year the NCSE advise that a small number of special class places remain in many counties in the country for those still seeking placement. While these places may not be in a preferred school, vacancies do exist.
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. The NCSE has 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. Of these 58 are in County Dublin. The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 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.
