Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
552. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special classes launched in Dublin 15 in 2026 at primary school level, broken down per school; the number of places made available to students already enrolled in the school; the number of places made available externally, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39015/26]
View answer553. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special classes launched in Dublin 15 in 2026 at secondary school level, broken down per school; the number of places made available to students already enrolled in the school; the number of places made available externally, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39016/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 552 and 553 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.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE [website] (www.ncse.ie/special-classes).
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.
In addition, I recently announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways my department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.
546 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 47 inclusive special classes. 355 are being established in primary schools and 191 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 128 new special classes confirmed for Dublin so far. Further new special classes expect to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs.
Under the Education Act, 1998 each school must publish an Admissions Policy and an Annual Admissions Notice. The published admission policy sets out the selection criteria for admission to school. The annual admission notice sets out the number of places that are available and the timeline for accepting and processing applications for admission.
This information should be published on the school’s website and be available on request by contacting the school directly.
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.
