Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
360. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether schools are under any obligation to provide or accept special education placements where capacity exists, particularly at post-primary level across all year groups; and the way consistency is ensured nationally where demand exceeds supply.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32259/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In 2026, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with special educational needs. It will ensure that specialist capacity continues to grow by providing 3,000 specialist places. The majority of these places will be available in special classes within mainstream schools. It will increase our special educational posts by 860 special education teacher and over 1,700 special needs assistant (SNA) posts. This will mean we will have almost 46,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs in our schools. This is one of the highest annual increases in posts to date and is a firm reminder of this government’s commitment to supporting 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 new special classes 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.
Under the Education Act, 1998 each school must publish an Admissions Policy and an Annual Admissions Notice. The published admission policy sets out the selection criteria for admission to school. The annual admission notice sets out the number of places that are available and the timeline for accepting and processing applications for admission.
This information should be published on the school’s website and be available on request by contacting the school directly.
Under Section 67 of the Education Act, the NCSE may designate a school place for a child with special educational needs. The NCSE are required to carry out this function in accordance with the provisions set out in primary legislation.
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.
