1538. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children without an appropriate special school or special class placement at the beginning of the 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63992/26]

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.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.

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.