Written Answers Nos. 41-61
41. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2624/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW), like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (DPER) Circulars:
Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets.
Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property.
The OPW’s Policy in managing surplus properties is
Firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
In line with the above policy and in accordance with the DPER Circular 11/15: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets the OPW sought alternative State use by offering the property to all relevant State Bodies. Alternative State use for the former Meteorological Station at Birr, Co. Offaly is currently under consideration by a State Body and the OPW is therefore not in a position to consider making the property available for community use at this time.
42. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation The application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the process for awarding higher pay scales for administrative grades below Assistant Principal in my Department is fully determined by seniority and suitability. The grades encompassed within this process are Clerical Officer (CO), Executive Officer (EO), Higher Executive Officer (HEO), and Administrative Officer (AO). There is no process in place in my Department for the awarding of higher scales at these grades outside of the seniority stream.
Higher scales were introduced by Circular 24/1995 for grades represented by the CPSU under the terms of the PCW pay agreement. The circular refers to the granting of higher scales as being 50% by way of seniority and suitability and 50% by way of application for the initial assignment to higher scales only. Paragraph 32.2.(a) of the circular states the Head of Department, following consultation with staff associations, would set out the criteria for progression to the higher scales going forward after that initial assignment in 1995 / 1996.
In my Department, where an officer in one of these grades becomes eligible for consideration for a higher scale on the basis of seniority, the officer is invited to submit an application for assignment to the relevant scale. This application is then subject to a suitability assessment, which includes a review of the officer’s performance management rating and sick leave record. Where all such checks are deemed satisfactory, the officer is awarded the higher scale. This process is carried out in accordance with the provisions of Circular 24/1995 and all relevant subsequent circulars relating to higher scales within the Civil Service. The process has also been agreed upon in consultation with the relevant staff association (presently FORSA). The means of selection in my Department as outlined above is long standing and to date there have been no issues in this regard raised by staff associations.
The requirement for cross sectoral processes does not apply in the case of my Department as higher scales are awarded on the basis of seniority and suitability only. Tenure of higher scales is maintained on mobility. This does not contravene any agreements of circulars relating to higher scales within the Civil Service.
43. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the policy initiatives taken on AI in 2025; the priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2025, my Department advanced significant AI policy initiatives aligned with the Programme for Government's commitment to harness the digital and AI revolution for modern public services and economic growth.
My Department leads national implementation of the EU AI Act and made strong progress in 2025. We adopted a distributed model, allowing businesses to work with regulators who understand their sectors, making compliance more practical and effective. Budget 2026 secured €1.5 million in start-up funding to establish the AI Office of Ireland by August 2026. It will coordinate EU AI Act implementation, promote transparent and safe AI adoption, and oversee a national AI regulatory sandbox where innovators can test solutions with compliance experts.
During 2025, my Department provided compliance resources through CeADAR (Ireland's national centre for applied AI), my Department's website, and the EU AI Act Service Desk's Compliance Checker. We also developed "AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act" a free online course for citizens and enterprises.
The 2025 Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity includes eight AI and digital adoption measures. Last year I also launched the Charter for Digital Inclusion, enabling businesses and organizations to help bridge the digital gap by promoting digital skills and supporting AI adoption.
The National Digital and AI Strategy, due for publication early this year, includes key actions beyond the AI Office and regulatory sandbox:
• Hosting an International Digital & AI Summit during our EU presidency
• Establishing an Observatory to monitor AI adoption across enterprises, aligned with the new National Skills Observatory to guide future enterprise and jobs policy
Our priority is driving AI adoption in business, particularly SMEs. My department offers support ranging from grant funding to tailored consultancy, and I will work to increase awareness of AI's benefits and available assistance.
44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2649/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply not received from the Department.
45. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware of concerns regarding restaurants charging corkage fees of between €35 and €40 on customer-provided non-alcoholic wine, in some cases at the same rate as corkage for high value alcoholic wine; if his Department has considered whether this practice raises consumer fairness or transparency issues, particularly for those who do not consume alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2701/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware of concerns regarding the pricing of non-alcoholic wine in restaurants, where it is, in some cases, charged at a similar price to alcoholic wine, including prices of approximately €40 per bottle; if any guidance exists for the hospitality sector on the pricing of non-alcoholic products from a consumer protection perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2702/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
Some restaurants allow customer-provided drinks and often charge corkage fees for this service.
Businesses in Ireland are free to set their own prices independently, provided they comply with consumer protection law. While there is no legal cap on prices or requirement to link prices to costs, consumer law requires clear, upfront disclosure of total prices, including any charges, so that consumers can make informed decisions.
My Department has considered the issue in the context of fairness and transparency. Businesses must ensure that any such fees are clearly disclosed in advance—such as on menus or price lists—and presented in a way that does not mislead consumers. Failure to provide transparent or consistent information about these charges could raise issues under consumer protection legislation.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection rules. It provides guidance to businesses on price display obligations and can investigate suspected breaches. Any consumer who believes they have been misled or subjected to unfair pricing practices should contact the CCPC.
My department maintains ongoing engagement with the CCPC in light of recent economic challenges as part of broader efforts to ensure fair competition and robust consumer protection across sectors, including hospitality. We will continue to monitor this issue, including through our engagement with the CCPC and relevant industry bodies, to support compliance and transparency for all consumers.
I encourage restaurants to ensure corkage policies—including for non-alcoholic beverages—are clearly displayed and explained, so that consumers are fully informed at the point of choice.
47. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE event manager staff, by gender, that are directly employed by Enterprise Ireland, by location, as of 5 January 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2710/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland have 10 WTE event management staff details of which are outlined in the table below.
|
Number |
Grade |
Location |
Gender |
|
1 |
Senior Executive Manager |
Dublin |
Female |
|
4 |
Executives (Event Managers) |
Dublin |
Female |
|
4 |
Administrative Assistant |
Dublin |
Female |
|
1 |
Intern (college placement) |
Dublin |
Male
|
48. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a more formalised structure required to help support children with epilepsy in classrooms will be introduced (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures she is taking to ensure that all teachers across the State are informed and provided with training for students with epilepsy; the supports that are provided to schools who have students with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider providing fully funded epilepsy training sessions for education staff in primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2579/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 52 and 57 together.
The Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all pupils. Where the school is aware of potential difficulties that may arise as a consequence of a medical condition suffered by one or more pupils, it may be possible for the management authorities, working in conjunction with parents, teachers and children to put preventative measures in place to lessen the possibility of any difficulties arising or to ensure that, if a pupil suffers from an illness requiring, that appropriate treatment is available.
Teacher education provided by the Department through Oide covers the implementation of the curriculum and matters relating to teaching and learning but does not encompass training on medical matters.
Where specific training is required, the school can liaise with Enable Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Education Support Centres, at a local level to secure guidance and training to meet the care needs of the student. It is a matter for individual school authorities to make such arrangements locally.
49. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the emergency works application for a school (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for external environment works.
The application in question is currently being reviewed by the technical area within the EWS. Once a technical recommendation has been received back from the technical team, the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
50. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy, was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing three Early Intervention Units.
The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The project is currently at Stage 2B (post planning). The Stage 2B report was submitted to the Department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subject to the required due diligence specified in the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines.
In July 2025, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly. The first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published at this time. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs. All existing school building projects and applications for accommodation will be considered in this context, with a particular focus on ensuring existing capacity is maximised.
51. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2532/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme to provide a one classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base.
The project is devolved for delivery to the school authority.
The project is currently at Stage 2B (detailed design). The Stage 2B report was received by the Department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subject to the required due diligence as specified in the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines.
In July 2025, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly. The first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published at this time. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs. All existing school building projects and applications for accommodation will be considered in this context, with a particular focus on ensuring existing capacity is maximised.
53. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that an organisation (details supplied) is supported in providing its training, and that it can reach all schools in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2535/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to provide children with epilepsy with sufficient supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth her position on proposals put forward by an organisation (details supplied) for 'Seizure Safe Schools'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth when teachers and SNAs will be adequately trained on epilepsy awareness; if her Department will consider implementing the ‘Seizure Safe’ training by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2720/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 56, 62 and 66 together.
The 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.
Under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. The Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all of the students in their school and care and safety should be at the centre of all policy and practices. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to provide training for staff to ensure the safety and welfare of their pupils.
It is important that a sufficient number of school staff receive adequate training to meet the care needs of students, and adequate cover is in place where staff designated to provide essential care support is absent on any particular day. Resources should also be deployed so that students with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support in the school.
Where specific training is required, the school can liaise with Enable Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Education Support Centres, at a local level to secure guidance and training to meet the care needs of the student. The school’s special education needs organiser is also available to advise on the resources available to assist students with special educational needs including opportunities for targeted training.
Matters in relation to the provision of health-related supports for children should be generally directed to the HSE or to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
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.
54. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider revising the requirement for substitute SNAs to have individual Garda vetting undertaken for each school they work in, and move to a single vetting process, similar to that for teachers through the Teaching Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2575/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Vetting Bureau [Children and Vulnerable Persons] Act of 2012 provides that vetting is conducted by the National Vetting Bureau on foot of an application by a relevant organisation that is registered with it. The vetting legislation and the vetting procedures operated by the National Vetting Bureau fall within the remit of the Minister for Justice.
My Departments Circular Letter 0031/2016 advises of the statutory obligations placed on school authorities to obtain a vetting disclosure from the Bureau prior to the employment, contract, permission or placement of a person to undertake relevant work or activities with children or vulnerable persons. The relevant diocesan office or school management body continues to act as a conduit for schools for the purposes of Garda vetting of persons other than registered teachers who are employed, contracted, permitted or placed to undertake relevant work or activities by the school and in the case of ETB schools, the relevant ETB is the relevant organisation for such purposes.
My department recognises the value of the SNA role in the successful inclusion of students with special educational needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools, ensuring that these students can access education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
My department, through the dedicated Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Unit, is currently working on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan (the plan) . The plan will include consideration of how best school communities and SNAs can work together to ensure that both are supported to provide the most effective service to students with significant care needs in our schools.
Pillar 4 of the plan sets out the strategic approach to recruitment, retention, and diversity within the SNA workforce and will introduce measures to manage current and future workforce composition, and to develop and promote a confident, competent and motivated SNA workforce. The Garda Vetting process is under consideration as part of the overall work undertaken on the plan.
Work on the plan has involved significant consultation with SNAs and other stakeholders including school management bodies, the unions, school staff, parents and children and is now in the final stages. Further information and updates will be published on the SNA Information Hub on www.gov.ie in due course.
55. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress made on the delivery of a new school building for a school (details supplied); when a Stage 2a presentation will be made to her Department; if she is aware of any capital budget constraints that is slowing down the delivery of this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
The project is currently at Stage 2a (detailed design) of the architectural process. When finalised, the Stage 2a report will be submitted to the Department for review and comment. It is not possible to provide a timeline for the completion of the project at this early stage. Limerick Clare Education and Training Board will be engaging directly with the school authority and the Department to keep them informed of all progress.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
In July 2025, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly. The first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published at this time. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs. All existing school building projects and applications for accommodation will be considered in this context, with a particular focus on ensuring existing capacity is maximised.
58. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a school build plan will move from Stage 2a to Stage 2b (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2580/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings to provide three mainstream classrooms, one Special Education Tuition room, and a two classroom Special Educational Needs base.
The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
The project is currently at Stage 2A (detailed design) of the architectural design process. The school authority has advised that planning permission has been secured however Departmental approval to progress to Stage 2B (Planning) of the architectural design process has not yet been granted. A Stage 2A report has been received and is under review from both a technical and cost perspective, in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
In July 2025, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. All projects, including this one, are subject to the due diligence set out in the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines and in line with the NDP.
My Department will continue to engage with the school authority to offer practical advice and support, as required.
59. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on an additional accommodation scheme application made by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, the department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan.
In addition to the €1.6 billion of capital funding made available by Government to the department in 2025, a capital allocation of €7.55 billion was announced for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the NDP. The sectoral NDP Implementation Plan including the first tranche of projects to progress to construction for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly. This will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the department for major capital works to cater for an 8 classroom primary school with a 2 classroom SEN base which is currently at project brief stage. The department is finalising its assessment and will be in further contact with the patron shortly.
Information available to the department indicates that there is good availability of primary school capacity in the area and the school authority is therefore encouraged to manage its enrolment policy within its current capacity. The school has recently submitted a new application for additional accommodation which is currently being examined and the department will be in further contact with the school in this context.
60. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) regarding pension parity for caretakers and secretaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2622/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool secretaries and caretakers are at the heart of the school and are the key interface between students, parents, school leaders and other staff. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable. In supporting these vital school staff members, we also support the school community as a whole.
My Department has been engaging with Fórsa and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation over the past number of months under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to a number of claims, including a claim for a comparable pension entitlement.
The matter was referred to the Labour Court and a hearing took place on 12th January 2026, and both parties await the recommendation of the Court. The parties remain in process and my department remains committed and ready to engage with Fórsa to reach a resolution on this important matter. As with any industrial relations process, where engagement is sensitive and complex, the matters under discussion are confidential until this process concludes.
61. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the list of schools sanctioned for special classes for 2026-2027 will be published; and the interim or alternative processes put in place for parents, given that applications have not been possible since 1 October 2025. [2623/26]
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.
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.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information provided through the Parents Notify process which closed on 1 October 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 to post-primary schools.
I am happy to advise that the NCSE are this week formally sanctioning 168 (105 primary and 63 post-primary) new special classes in 159 schools across the country for the next school year 2026/2027. This is the first tranche of new special classes being sanctioned and is a number of months ahead of last year. The NCSE expect to continue to sanction further new special classes over the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of these classes will provide clarity for parents and allow schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children and young people made known to them after 1 October in their existing placement with appropriate supports. However, it is critical that the NCSE has as much local information as possible, as early as possible, to effectively plan what new provision is required.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.
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.
