294. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in Dublin South West that are currently without a special class place; the way this shortage is influencing the Department’s prioritisation of the rebuild of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35853/26]

The 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 information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics, is a key component when forecasting the need for additional special class and special school places. My department and the NCSE have undertaken analysis of the trends in special class and special school provision over recent years by county and local school planning area. In total there are 314 local school planning areas.

My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability. In addition, part of the forward planning process as to where new classes, schools or expansion is required looks at how far students are travelling to access an education that meets their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision-making process. Consideration is also given to the information the NCSE hold at local level on the number of children and young people seeking a special school place in a region.

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. 504 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, of which 22 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. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.

Of the 504 new special classes, 330 are being established in primary schools and 174 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 114 new special classes confirmed for Dublin so far.

The accommodation needs at the schools named will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities

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.