Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
153. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the number of appropriate school places at both primary and secondary schools in County Louth that will be available for students in September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40551/26]
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 promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
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.
546 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 47 inclusive special classes. Further new special classes are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
New special classes are being established in every county with 11 confirmed for Louth so far. Of these 8 are at primary and 3 at post-primary level.
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.
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.
