Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
541. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth when schools were notified they would be opening a special class for 2026-2027; if all schools from tranche 1 have been notified as of 13 January 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3798/26]
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.
The NCSE have formally sanctioned 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.
The NCSE have confirmed that all schools in tranche 1 had been notified of the sanction of their new special classes for the 2026/27 school year by 14 January 2026. The confirmation of these new special classes follows months of direct engagement by the NCSE and my Department with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level. In sanctioning new special classes, the NCSE have due regard to the level of need in an area and the existing provision, including how many places are expected to be available through the normal movement of students from primary to post-primary or finishing school. Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes.
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.
