Jen Cummins
Question:464. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to ensure children in SEBD schools are provided with additional supports such as the supports provided under DEIS. [45408/26]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2026
Questions (464)
Written answers
The Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The increased capitation rates will see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.
All special schools now benefit from the appointment of administrative deputy principals. These posts are making a real difference in schools in terms of assisting with leadership and management functions and supporting learning, parental and community engagement.
An additional allocation of 100 post-primary teaching posts has also been provided to special schools. I am very conscious that our special schools provide an education for students with the most complex needs, aged from 4 to 18 years of age. These posts allow schools to deliver a greater range of the national curriculum subjects and to improve student progression and transition.
My department is also working closely with the NCSE to further support special schools in relation to a range of issues relating to administration, curriculum and training. Two new specialist leads have been appointed with a specific remit for education and curriculum in special schools and in post-primary education and curriculum.
A host of skills and teaching approaches are required every day by teachers in their classrooms. The NCSE support service is vital in this regard to ensuring teachers have the training needed to support all students to ensure no matter where a child is enrolled, they are supported and provided the opportunity to reach their full potential. It is open to any school who feels it has a training need to contact the NCSE and arrange training.
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.