92. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for requiring parents and guardians seeking a special class or special school place for the 2027-2028 school year to notify the NCSE by 1 September 2026 and submit supporting documentation by 15 September 2026; and the measures that will be put in place to support families who may not have all documentation available by these dates. [53934/26]

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. In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0063/2026. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.

This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time.

This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2027/28 school year, an earlier date of 1 September was set for parents and to provide necessary documentation by 15th September 2026 or as soon as is reasonably practicable thereafter.

The Parents Notify process provides the NCSE and the department with essential information on the potential need for specialist placements in schools to support forward planning of special education provision.

The NCSE will continue to engage with parents/guardians and schools to ensure relevant information is provided as quickly as possible to facilitate effective forward planning.

Parents/guardians who engage with the NCSE Parent’s Notify process by 1st September 2026, having provided the necessary documentation by the15th of September 2026, or as soon as practicable thereafter will be provided with a letter, dated for the relevant school year. This letter will confirm the outcome of the NCSE’s review based on the supporting evidence provided. A letter of eligibility is provided by the NCSE where an applicant has the appropriate recommendation and documents for a special class or special school place.

While the NCSE will work with the department in relation to securing appropriate placements for children who present after the timelines, it will also continue to issue letters of eligibility to those who present thereafter. The NCSE will work closely to support those children and their families seeking specialist placements, as has been the case for the 26/27 year.

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.