Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
511. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children recorded as experiencing school refusal where autism, ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions are identified as contributing factors; and the targeted supports available to such children and their families. [14367/26]
View answer519. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of special education needs class places available in primary and post-primary schools nationally in the current school year; and the number of places that remain unfilled; and the measures being taken to ensure sufficient SEN places for children outside of their catchment area. [14419/26]
View answer520. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of special education needs class places available in primary and post-primary schools in Westmeath in the current school year; and the number of places that remain unfilled; and the measures are being taken to ensure sufficient SEN places for children outside of their catchment area. [14420/26]
View answer521. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who have been refused a place in an SEN class due to oversubscription, broken down by county; whether waiting lists are maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14421/26]
View answer523. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the NCSE can provide accurate, up-to-date data on the number of SEN class places available nationally; if not, the reason for this lack of data; and the steps being taken to improve transparency and accessibility of such information for parents and schools. [14423/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 511, 519 to 521, inclusive, and 523 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025.
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 began sanctioning new special classes last month, which is several months earlier than last year. 301 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.
Details of the new special classes and lists of special classes opened since 2012/2013 are available on the NCSE website.
In sanctioning new special classes, the NCSE have due regard to the level of need in an area and the existing provision, including how many places are expected to be available through the normal movement of students from primary to post-primary or finishing school. Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes.
The NCSE has advised my department of an increasing number of children and young people who have come to their attention since the 1 October timeline. My department and the NCSE have worked on proposals to address the needs of children and young people coming forward to the NCSE after 1 October. I am pleased to say that my department is confirming that the NCSE are now in a position to issue letters of eligibility to children and young people who have made contact with them after the 1 October timeline and who meet the criteria for a special class or special school placement. The NCSE has commenced this process.
Each school prepares and publishes their own admissions policy and runs their own admissions process in line with the Admissions Act. Individual schools will determine the outcome of applications received by them in accordance with their own admissions policy and procedures. I want to reassure families that they will be supported in seeking a placement and that no child or young person should be prevented from starting school. There are a wide range of supports in mainstream classes, special classes and special schools for children and young people with additional needs.
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.
