Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
548. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if special education needs organisers have the capacity to refer children with special needs who require a space in a special needs school to a mainstream school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8330/26]
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.
In order to support the National Council for Special Education (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.
When a parent notifies the NCSE that they are seeking placement the NCSE validates the submission and provides the parent with a letter of eligibility for the required specialist placement. This letter is then required to be submitted with the enrolment form. The letter's purpose is to inform schools that the NCSE is aware of the student’s needs and that the student has been factored into the planning process for provision at a local level.
An additional benefit of this process is that it has removed an administrative burden on both schools and families alike. Having this letter removes the need for schools to evaluate reports and for parents to fill in forms and provide reports and recommendations directly to schools.
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 would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children and young people made known to them after 1 October. 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.
