Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1136. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current rules that prevent students in special schools from accessing transition year or an equivalent additional year; if she will ensure that these students have the same opportunity as their peers in mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74804/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1137. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth when her Department last reviewed Rule 64 -1 of the Rules for National Schools in relation to the upper age limit for attendance at special schools; whether consideration is being given to amending this rule; whether an implementation timeline has been identified for any such amendment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74805/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1138. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures which are currently in place to facilitate access to an additional year of education for students in special schools with the highest level of need; whether exemptions or other administrative arrangements are used for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74806/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1136 to 1138, inclusive, together.
Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
Special schools funded by my department are classified as primary national schools. They are intended, in accordance with the provisions of rule 64(1) of the Rules for National Schools, to provide an education to children and young people, with special educational needs, aged from 4 years to until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
Special schools may however seek approval from my department for an exemption from rule 64(1) in respect of students over the age of 18 who are pursuing courses leading to accreditation on the National Qualifications Framework (e.g. Senior Cycle, Junior Cycle Level One and Level Two learning programmes (L1L2LPs)/Leaving Cert Applied/QQI Level 3).
A request for an exemption from rule 64(1) can only be made by a school where in addition to the above:
1. The student requires one additional year in order to complete their course.
2. Retaining the student in the school for another school year will not prevent a younger student being enrolled there.
3. Plans are in place to transition the student to a post-school setting at the end of the school year.
Special schools are invited each year to make applications to my department for exemptions from rule 64(1) in respect of students who meet the above criteria. Where the criteria is met, my department will approve the exemptions.
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.
