Michael Cahill
Ceist:254. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school placement can be secured for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38621/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 21 May 2026
Ceisteanna (254)
Freagraí scríofa
This 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.
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.
In addition, I recently announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways my 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 NCSE has advised that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is working closely with the student’s family regarding options for school placements and other special education supports for the coming school year. The NCSE understand that the student referred to by the Deputy has a school place for the coming school year, but that there may be a new professional report and recommendation being compiled relating to this child. The NCSE will continue to link in with and support the family at local level.
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.