305. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of staff employed in the new special school in Balbriggan due to open in September 2026; the number who have signed contracts; her plans to recruit the full complement of staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54279/26]

This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.

Dedicated working groups including the Department, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and relevant patron body continue to meet to support the establishment of the new special schools. Following a recruitment process, a principal has been appointed to the Balbriggan Community Special school. The NCSE will keep parents informed of developments at local level on an ongoing basis.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

In accordance with Department Circular 44/2019 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/recruitmentpromotion-and-leadership-for-registered-teachers-in-recognised-primary-schools/) (primary sector) and Circular 31/2011 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/teacher-recruitment-registration-and-qualifications/) (post primary sector), which are available on the department’s website under www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/?utm_source=chatgpt.com, schools are required to employ appropriately qualified teachers and ensure that unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired.

These measures were taken in an effort to increase employment opportunities for unemployed teachers.

The Teaching Council is the statutory body for the registration of teachers including the recognition of teaching qualifications.

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.