Departmental Reports

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Questions (611)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

611. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the report of the Dublin 15 Special Education Taskforce will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11891/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

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 promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

A new taskforce to support the forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area was established to support planning for the 2025/26 school year. The Dublin 15 area has experienced significant increases in population growth in recent years, with high levels of migration into the area and includes areas with social disadvantage.

The taskforce also considered the development of a common application system for admission to primary special classes. The voice of parents has been a key component of the taskforce. Parent representation on the taskforce includes representatives from the Autism School Dublin 15 (ASD15) group, the National Parents Council and parents from the local area.

The taskforce’s recommendations are currently being examined. The NCSE is leading work at a local level with school principals on running the admissions trial for another year. The key focus of my department remains working with the NCSE and school patron bodies to secure additional special classes.

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.