Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
147. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of sanctioned special classes that are delayed due to incomplete modular accommodation or refurbishment works; and the contingency plans in place to prevent children from being left without a school place in September. [70380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. All special classes sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year have been established and allocated their teachers and special needs assistants.
The SEN repurposing scheme was a new initiative which was introduced for new special classes for 2025/26 and has proven hugely successful in supporting the opening of new special classes. Over 80% of the 407 new special classes are being established in schools within existing available accommodation which is being repurposed to provide special classes.
Where the permanent accommodation solution is not yet complete the NCSE is working closely with schools and families to support the development of contingency arrangements for students enrolled in these new special classes. Teaching and Special Needs Assistants have been allocated to schools opening new special classes and it is expected that these staff would work closely with students enrolling in new special classes under any contingency arrangements that may be necessary for some schools.
The Department and NCSE are continuing to work to forward plan for special education needs for the 2026/27 and future school years. The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information provided through the Parents Notify process to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year. The NCSE will also consider vacant places in existing special classes and places that will become available through the regular transition of children from primary for post-primary schools. Once this analysis is completed the NCSE will be equipped to engage with schools to open new special classes in relevant areas. It is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special classes for 2026/27 by 31 December 2025.
