Jen Cummins
Ceist:524. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education classes sanctioned in 2024/2025 which are open and operational, in tabular form. [3688/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 January 2026
Ceisteanna (524)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
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.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website (ncse.ie/special-classes).
Attached is also a list of special classes for the 2024/2025 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.
NCSE List of Special Classes in Mainstream Schools December 2024