1332. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education and Youth when she will publish the list of new special classes in primary schools for the 2027-2028 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62652/26]

Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

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 2026/27 school year. Details of the new special classes are published on the NCSE website.

The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 587 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 70 inclusive special classes. This brings the total number of special classes sanctioned to date to over 4,300. Of the 587 new special classes, 379 are being established in primary schools and 208 in post-primary schools. The need for specialist provision remains under review and further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks.

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 where they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. This process provides the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary education as well as details on students who require a place for the first time. This is essential to support effective planning of special education provision.

This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2027/28 school year, an earlier date of 1 September was set for parents with necessary documentation to be provided by 15 September 2026 or as soon as is reasonably practicable thereafter. The NCSE will engage with parents/guardians and schools to ensure timely provision of relevant information to support the planning process.

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.