Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
422. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the requirement of school transport being considered as part of the NCSE registration process for special education classes for 2025/2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51209/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning, my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning going forward and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. An earlier date of 1 October has been set in which parents must do so.
This notification will provide the NCSE with valuable information as to which children will continue to require a special class as they progress to post-primary level and details on students who require a place for the first time. The NCSE is actively communicating this requirement nationally also.
The earlier date will allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, and it is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special classes by 31 December 2025.
Parents can make initial contact, submit reports and provide consent forms directly via the NCSE’s website, emailing parentsnotify@ncse.ie or calling 01 603 3346.
Applications for school transport for children with special educational needs are made by the parent/guardian to the school principal. The principal will forward the application to the SENO that is affiliated with the school the child is attending.
At the moment, applications for school transport for children with special educational needs are accepted all year round, however school transport section is working closely with the NCSE to ensure that these applications are submitted as early as possible following school placements being accepted by parents or guardians.
