Written answer
Special Educational Needs
1234. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the opening of a school (details supplied) in Bray; if the school remains on schedule to open in September 2026; when details of admissions criteria, eligibility, enrolment procedures will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56340/26]
Comment on this
1235. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the arrangements being made to ensure that families requiring a place at a school (details supplied) in Bray receive timely information regarding admissions and enrolment for the 2026-2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56341/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1234 and 1235 together.
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.
The Department of Education and Youth and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), continuously forward plan to provide additional special class and special school places for children with complex special educational needs.
The NCSE has now sanctioned a total of 584 new special classes for the next school year, while four new special schools are being established in Balbriggan, CityWest, Bray and Monasterevin.
Dedicated working groups including the department, NCSE and relevant patron bodies continue to meet to support the establishment of the new special schools. It is expected that details in relation to the admissions process and number of places available in the school referred to by the Deputy for the coming school year 2026/2027 will be confirmed shortly.
Parents who require assistance can contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), call the NCSE on 01 603 3346, or find SENO contact details on the NCSE website here.
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.