Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
323. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the expansion of special education provision in Cork North-West in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40860/26]
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.
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.
To date 546 new special classes have been sanctioned, including 47 inclusive special classes. Of these 63 are sanctioned in County Cork. Some further new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
These new special classes will be in addition to the 617 already in operation across schools in Co Cork. In addition to providing additional special class places, 4 new special schools have been established in Co Cork over recent years.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.
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.
