Written answer
Special Educational Needs
The Minister said the requested additional class was not sanctioned, but may be considered later, noting 587 new special classes approved nationally for 2026/27.
518. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department and the National Council for Special Education will grant a request from a school (details supplied) to open an additional special class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64644/26]
Comment on this
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.
The NCSE actively encourage expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest. However, it is not always possible to open a special class in every school that expresses an interest.
When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies or capacity and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.
The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and schools not sanctioned this year, such as the school referred to by the Deputy remain as a potential option for future classes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.
My Department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools, 587 new special classes have been sanctioned for school year 2026/2027 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. New special classes are being established in every county with 12 new special classes confirmed for County Clare. Details of all new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
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.