Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
464. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a live national dataset exists recording available special class and special school places by school, year group, county and category of provision; and if not, whether such a system is planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE https://ncse.ie/special-classes
The 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.
In addition, the Minister announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways the department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.
504 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 22 inclusive special classes. More new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
The common application system pilot is ongoing in some areas of the country, running concurrently is the extension of the autism class application trial (ACAT) in the Dublin 15 area. There are 18 schools participating in the ACAT trial, 17 at primary level and one special school for 2026/27.
These pilots form an important step towards delivering a more efficient, transparent, and equitable school application process. It will reduce stress for families, ease administrative burdens on schools, while also supporting better planning for school places.
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 schools directly.
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.
