Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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347. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to reply to correspondence regarding a lack of school places in Portlaoise (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42729/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the department.

At a national level, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, first year enrolments nationally are expected to have peaked in the 2023/24 school year and are beginning to decline from next year. At a national level, there are circa 10,000 more first year places available for 2025/26 than sixth class children.

With regards to Portlaoise school planning area, the department envisions there will be sufficient post primary capacity within schools to cater for the projected demand considering the progression of school building projects.

Of course, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, even as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas, and enrolment pressures may arise in a very limited number of school planning areas from year to year. This must be seen in the context of an annual enrolment process that caters to some 140,000 pupils at Junior Infants and First Year level and that, on the whole, transacts very smoothly. While there are 314 school planning areas across the country, typically only a small minority of these areas require follow up engagement by the department with schools and patrons to work through mainstream school place solutions for the following year.

The Department has also written to all parents and guardians of children in sixth class with advice and guidance regarding the admissions process for post-primary for the 2025/26 school year. This letter advised parents to apply to multiple schools in areas where there is high demand and requested parents to take steps to avoid holding multiple places.

The department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education. The functions of the NCSE include planning and coordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.

The allocation of special education teachers allows schools to provide additional teaching support for all students who require such support in their schools and for schools to deploy resources based on each student’s individual learning needs. In addition, special needs assistants (SNAs) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

Local special SENOs are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.

The Educational Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers. Contact details are available on Tusla’s website.

I can assure the Deputy that my department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in Portlaoise school planning area, and across the rest of the country.