I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 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.
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 in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 464 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, of which 11 are inclusive special classes. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE's website.
Under Section 67 of the Education Act, the NCSE may designate a school place for a child with special educational needs. The NCSE are required to carry out this function in accordance with the provisions set out in primary legislation.
The NCSE advise that in total, since the Section 67 process has been in place, the NCSE have initiated Section 67 with 27 schools in respect of the designation of placements. As a result of effective collaboration between my Department, patrons, schools and the NCSE, a total of 140 applicants secured placement, following the initiation of this process.
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.
