Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
614. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the basis for the current rule that prevents students in special schools from returning once they reach 18 years-of-age before 1 September, particularly where students in mainstream settings may complete transition year or an additional year of education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11900/26]
View answer615. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department is reviewing the criteria and decision making processes for granting an additional year in special schools, including Circular M02/95 and the exemption from the Rule 64 application process; and whether consideration is being given to allowing schools submit fuller supporting educational and clinical documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11901/26]
View answer616. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the engagement her Department has had with the National Council for Special Education regarding supports for students who are not yet ready to transition to adult services but are ineligible to remain in special schools due to current age related rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11902/26]
View answer617. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether consideration is being given to introducing a structured additional transition-type year for students in special schools following completion of senior cycle, to better support progression into adult services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11903/26]
View answer618. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which she intends to ensure equity of opportunity between students in mainstream and special school settings in accessing an additional year of education where this is educationally and clinically recommended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11904/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 614, 615, 616, 617 and 618 together.
This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
Special schools support children and young people aged between 4 and 18 years of age with the most complex special educational needs and ensure positive links are established and fostered between the home, school and other agencies for these students.
Special schools funded by my department are classified as primary national schools. They are intended, in accordance with the provisions of rule 64(1) of the Rules for National Schools, to provide an education to children and young people, with special educational needs, aged from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
Special schools may however seek approval from my department for an exemption from rule 64(1) in respect of students over the age of 18 who are pursuing courses leading to accreditation which align with the National Qualifications Framework. The application form for the Extension of Enrolment of Students over the age of 18 for the 2026/2027 School Year has recently issued to all special schools. A decision cannot be made without receipt of a fully completed application form; each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Where an application is unsuccessful the school is aware of the transition supports available in terms of post-school options for the student.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the department remains committed to addressing the challenges associated with the designation of special schools as primary schools, on an ongoing basis. This issue has been raised in the context of the Review of Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. The department is progressing the development of an Implementation Plan arising from this Review. A review of the designation of special schools will be considered as part of the development of this Implementation Plan.
My department and the National Council for Special Education (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.
