Special Educational Needs

Thursday, 28 May 2026

Questions (369, 371)

Pa Daly

Question:

369. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education classes in each of the years 2020 to date, broken down by county, in tabular form. [41396/26]

View answer

371. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of early intervention classes in each of the years 2020 to date, broken down by county, in tabular form.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41398/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 371 together.

Enabling 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 advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

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: https://ncse.ie/special-classes.

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 reach their full potential.