Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2026
283. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene to ensure that sufficient staff are provided for a special school (details supplied) to resume operating a full school week; when the necessary staff will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71481/26]
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.
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 classes and special school places are provided. These classes are resourced in line with the Special Education Review Committee's recommendations. This ensures that these classes continue to meet the needs of students who are enrolled, and the class is as inclusive as possible in that as many students as possible are accommodated.
The full staffing of each special school is available on the NCSE website at the following www.ncse.ie/ncse/data-and-statistics/set-hours-special-class-teachers-and-sna-allocations/
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy my department and the NCSE met with the school and school patron body on Monday 5th October. The school and school patron body worked intensively to ensure that the school re-opened for all students on Tuesday 6th October.
My department and the NCSE will continue to engage with the school and school patron body over the coming period.
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.
