Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
553. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children supported by SEN programmes before the NCSE was established; the way that number has grown since the NCSE was put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30092/26]
View answerEnabling 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).
Initially founded as an independent statutory body in December 2003, the NCSE was formally established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN Act) on 1 October 2005. The NCSE was established to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs.
In 2003/2004 the total student population across primary, post primary and special schools was approximately 793,479 with approximately 16,058 in either special classes or special schools.
Since then demand for education services has grown significantly with approximately 965,000 students in our schools. There has also been a marked increase in the number of children with additional needs. Today, one in four children, or around 240,000 children, require extra supports.
The autism prevalence rate is generally accepted to be in the region of 5%. There are 9,460 children in special schools and more than 22,000 children in special classes, with additional children supported in mainstream 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 achieve their full potential.
