Written answer
Special Educational Needs
The Minister said 18 new special classes were sanctioned in Waterford for 2026/27, bringing the county total to 107, alongside three special schools with about 281 students. Numbers of children needing places and planned provision for September 2027 have not yet been confirmed; the NCSE is using parent notifications to plan ahead.
285. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education places are expected to be available in Waterford city and county for September 2027. [75310/26]
Comment on this
288. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of additional ASD classes or special school places planned for Waterford city and county for September 2027; and when these will be confirmed. [75311/26]
Comment on this
289. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in Waterford city and county that require special education places for September 2027. [75308/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 288 and 289 together.
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 have sanctioned 587 new special classes for the school year 2026/27. Of these 18 are in County Waterford, 10 at primary and 8 at post-primary level. This brings to 107 the number of special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 3 special schools in Waterford with approximately 281 students enrolled.
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 that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time.
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 Parents Notify process provides the NCSE and the department with the information for the potential need for specialist placements in working with schools to forward plan for special education provision. The NCSE will continue to engage with parents/guardians and schools on this, to ensure all of the relevant information is provided as quickly as possible to facilitate comprehensive forward planning.
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.