Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
529. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a child (details supplied) can attain an eligibility report in order to allow them to transfer to a special school due to a change in their living arrangements which makes attendance at their current school unworkable; when the letter process to obtain a parent notify letter will reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72571/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for 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 and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time. This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, an earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the process.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information including that provided through the Parents Notify process to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year. Once this analysis is completed the NCSE will engage with schools to open new special classes. It is expected that these special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
This new timeline was publicised widely and communicated with schools and special education advocacy groups and parent representative bodies. The NCSE also undertook a lot of work at local level to ensure that families were aware of the process and timeline. Consequently the NCSE report a significant level of engagement and contact from families before 1 October.The NCSE advise that the majority of children and young people coming to them through the Parent’s Notify process are already enrolled in school and are being supported by existing special education teachers and special needs assistants.
As with other applications for support, it is important that those who come forward after the closing date are assured that they are not forgotten or excluded from the system. The NCSE and special educational need organiser (SENO) are engaging with the school and family of the student named. SENOs are available to offer advice, support and guidance as required to ensure students with special educational needs are supported to achieve their full potential and may be contacted using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements are available for children with special educational needs and the need for new specialist provision is subject to ongoing review.
