Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
532. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children known to the NCSE in need of a special class place in Dublin 15 for September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29790/26]
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 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.
My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 464 have been sanctioned to date , of which 11 are inclusive special classes. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Of the 464 new special classes, 305 are being established in primary schools and 159 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 105 new special classes confirmed for Dublin so far.
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 achieve their full potential.
