Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
319. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review correspondence in relation to a school (details supplied); the funding options open to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47068/26]
View answerThe 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.
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.
575 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 60 inclusive special classes. Further new special classes may 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. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level. In sanctioning new special classes, the NCSE have due regard to the level of need in an area and the existing provision, including how many places are expected to be available through the normal movement of students from primary to post-primary or finishing school. Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes.
By way of information, generally capital funding by the Department of Education and Youth is reserved for the provision of mainstream school accommodation for primary education upwards, as well as for children with special educational needs.
I want to assure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all students are successful in accessing an education.
