I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 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.
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.
Four new special schools were recently announced by Ministers Naughton and Moynihan to be established in Balbriggan, CityWest, Bray and Monasterevin. Dedicated working groups including the Department, the NCSE and relevant patron body continue to meet to support the establishment of the new special schools. It is expected that details in relation to the admissions process and number of places will be confirmed shortly. The NCSE will continue to advise parents at local level on developments.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.
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 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.
