207. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 7 July 2026, if she will provide information on the identified level of need in the school planning area (details supplied); the reason no new special classes in primary schools have been announced in the school planning area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53995/26]

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.

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.

584 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 68 inclusive special classes. This brings the total number of special classes sanctioned to date to over 4,300. Further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks, if required.

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.

Of the 584 new special classes, 378 are being established in primary schools and 206 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 140 new special classes confirmed for Dublin.

Please find at the link below a list of new special classes sanctioned in the area referred to by the deputy. Details of all new special classes are available on the NCSE website.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation in County Dublin and indeed nationwide. 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.

Dublin 13