1440. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who, as of the latest available date, have not secured a school place for the 2026/27 academic year; the number of these children who have a diagnosed disability or identified special educational needs; the reasons recorded for the absence of a school placement; the measures being taken to ensure every child has access to an appropriate school place in September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59075/26]

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.

An estimated 25% of students, or approximately 240,000 children and young people have special educational needs. While the majority are supported successfully in mainstream settings by their class teacher, special education teachers (SETs) and special needs assistants (SNAs) as necessary, there remains an increasing need for special class and special school places for children with more complex needs.

The Parents Notify process has played a key role in forward planning, supporting delivery of 584 new special classes, establishment of four new special schools for the coming 2026/27 school year, and expanded capacity in existing special schools.

The NCSE has verified that 7,860 children and young people notified to them by 1 October 2025 are eligible for a specialist place for the 2026/2027 school year. The NCSE continues to work with families where children have come forward since, to secure appropriate placements. Approximately 7,000 of these 7,860 students have a diagnosis of autism and given there are generally adequate places for students with other diagnoses the focus is on new places for autistic students.

NCSE data shows that approximately 75% of those who came forward by the 1 October are already enrolled in school.

NCSE data indicates there is sufficient overall capacity to meet identified demand. However, the department recognises that places may not always arise in a preferred school or locality. The NCSE actively engages with these families to identify suitable placements.

As in previous years, students without a school place are prioritised for access to specialist placements.

My department receives regular updates on placements and meets with the NCSE weekly to monitor progress, address emerging issues and ensure every student and family secures an appropriate school placement.

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.

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.