Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
118. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will collect data on the number of children and young people who are recommended specialist placement but do not receive one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10574/26]
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 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.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time. This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, an earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the process.
The NCSE advise that the majority of children and young people coming to them through the Parent’s Notify process are already enrolled in school supported by existing special education teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has advised my department of an increasing number of children and young people who have come to their attention since the 1 October timeline. My department and the NCSE have worked on proposals to address the needs of children and young people coming forward to the NCSE after 1 October. I am pleased to say that my department is confirming that the NCSE are now in a position to issue letters of eligibility to children and young people who have made contact with them after the 1 October timeline and who meet the criteria for a special class or special school placement. The NCSE are commencing this process this week.
I want to reassure families that they will be supported in seeking a placement and that no child or young person should be prevented from starting school. There are a wide range of supports in mainstream classes, special classes and special schools for children and young people with additional needs.
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.
