Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
135. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if Project Nexus will be linked with a centralised application system for families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38102/26]
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).
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 promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The rollout of the pilot Single Online Application for Schools represents a significant step towards improving the school admissions system. The Apply to School pilot scheme was launched in October 2025 for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle and was introduced for 15 post-primary schools in five school planning areas namely Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones and Tullamore Killina.
Detailed post-project evaluations carried out with the participating schools will be carefully considered and integrated into future iterations of the scheme. Work is progressing on the next phase of this project which will include clarity on greater system functionality and a larger cohort of participating schools. Key deliverable improvements to the system aimed at further enhancing user experiences are targeted for the next phase of the project.
As part of the work towards a nationwide common admission system, schools are encouraged to coordinate their admissions policies with other schools in their area to ensure that local applicants for both mainstream and special classes are adequately catered for in local schools.
The common application system pilot is ongoing in some areas of the country, running concurrently is the extension of the autism class application trial (ACAT) in the Dublin 15 area. There are 18 schools participating in the ACAT trial, 17 at primary level and one special school for 2026/27.
These pilots form an important step towards delivering a more efficient, transparent, and equitable school application process. It will reduce stress for families, ease administrative burdens on schools, while also supporting better planning for school places.
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.
