Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In conclusion, it is a priority for this Government to ensure that all children have an appropriate school placement and that the necessary supports are provided to all our schools to ensure the needs of children with special educational needs are met. It is important to remember that the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. To support children with more complex needs, special classes in mainstream schools and special schools are provided.

More than €2.9 billion will be spent in 2025 supporting children with special educational needs. This figure builds on previous years and represents more than a quarter of the total education budget. It will provide for, among other things, 400 new special classes, 300 new special school places and will also increase special educational posts by 768 special education teachers and 1,600 special needs assistant, SNA, posts nationwide. The NCSE continues to access what additional provision is required at local areas and what schools have capacity to accommodate the required provision. As the NCSE progresses the sanctioning of new classes over the coming weeks, it will advise parents in turn on the location of new special classes for the 2025-2026 school year.