Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2025
88. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current capacity for special education places in County Offaly; how this compares to the potential places within the county from September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34801/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these three are in County Offaly, two at primary and one at post primary level. This will add to the 108 special classes currently in operation in the county. Of these 77 are at primary and 31 are at post primary level. There is also one special school in County Offaly with approximately 42 students enrolled.
My department and the NCSE are engaging with schools and school management bodies in relation to the provision of future special classes and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
