Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
451. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the national roll out of the single application system for special education classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73475/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
I commend the work of primary school principals and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in supporting the establishment of the common applications trial for primary special classes. I understand that 13 schools took part in the initial year of the trial and I expect the D15 Taskforce report to contain recommendations in relation to admissions.
The NCSE is leading work at local level with school principals on running the admissions trial for another year. The key focus of my department has been working with the NCSE and school patron bodies to secure additional special classes. This has involved extensive engagement over recent weeks and months.
The common application system pilot is also ongoing in some other areas of the country, running concurrently to the extension of the autism class application trial in the Dublin 15 area. These pilots form an important step towards delivering a more efficient, transparent, and equitable school application process. It will reduce stress for families, ease administrative burdens on schools, while also supporting better planning for school places.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
