Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
263. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she plans to roll out the autism class application trial nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39361/26]
View answerThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
A new taskforce to support the forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area was established to support planning for the 2025/26 school year. The Dublin 15 area has experienced significant increases in population growth in recent years, with high levels of migration into the area and includes areas with social disadvantage.
The taskforce also considered the development of a common application system for admission to primary special classes. The voice of parents has been a key component of the taskforce. Parent representation on the taskforce includes representatives from the Autism School Dublin 15 (ASD15) group, the National Parents Council and parents from the local area.
The taskforce’s recommendations are currently being examined. The Taskforce report, together with the associated progress update report, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/taskforce-to-support-forward-planning-of-special-education-provision-in-the-dublin-15-area/
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is leading work at a local level with school principals on running the admissions trial for another year. The key focus of my department remains working with the NCSE and school patron bodies to secure additional special classes.
Separately, my Department also introduced a common applications process at post-primary level in 5 areas for the coming school year. My Department are now working to expand this to other areas at post-primary level for the 2027/2028 admissions 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.
