Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the Department is at all times planning ahead. I mentioned earlier the additional classes and places that are there for children with additional needs. On top of that, there are additional special needs assistant, SNA, supports in schools in north Kildare and throughout the country. Where there is good availability of first-year school places in Kildare for the 2025-26 year, the Department will continue to work with the schools to ensure the admissions process will be transacted as smoothly as possible.

A strong pipeline of projects is being delivered in all the school areas and these, again, are adding to the capacity, notwithstanding, as the Deputy noted, the population increases that are taking place in this area, which we anticipate will taper off and start to decline in the coming years. Again, however, we have to plan for that, and the Department continues to proactively plan for those needs and will continue to actively work with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, to plan for special education provision, which is very important, including requirements for additional special classes and special school places. The fact a new special school will be established in Kildare for the 2025-26 year is testament to the strong forward planning process in the Department and the work it does with schools, principals and school boards, and I agree wholeheartedly that we should commend the incredible work they do. I will convey directly to the Minister the points the Deputy raised.

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