Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
460. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 442 of 17 June 2025, to examine the response from the school (details supplied) to her reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34524/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have advised my department that they do not intend to sanction a new special class at the school referred to by the Deputy at this time as there is sufficient provision available in other new special classes opening.
As previously outlined the main focus this year by the NCSE was on medium and larger primary schools with available accommodation and no existing special class to open a new special class for the 2025/26 school year. This ensures that classes can open quickly as existing accommodation can be reconfigured in a more streamlined and efficient manner but also that new provision is established in as many schools as possible. This provides parents more options when deciding which schools to apply to and ensures that provision continues to grow in a diverse number of schools across regions. This should also help in reducing the distances that some children are travelling to access a special class place. This focus will remain for the 2026/27 school year as there remains a number of medium to larger primary schools with none or just 1 special class.
The NCSE actively encourage expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest. However, it is not possible to open a special class in every school that expresses an interest.
The NCSE have sanctioned 16 new special classes across schools in Co Waterford for the coming school year and this will bring the number of new special classes available to 86.
The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change and schools not sanctioned this year, such as the school referred to by the Deputy will remain as a potential option for future classes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available toassistand adviseparents of children with special educational needs.
