Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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387. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on planning for special class admissions in September 2025; the indicated new demand compared to September 2024; if she will ensure that no child will be left without a school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6436/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for government.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.

Of the 3,336 special classes nationwide, 408 are new for the 2024/2025 school year. 289 at primary level and 119 at post-primary level. Budget 2025 provides funding for another 400 special classes and 300 special school places nationwide.

The issue of how teaching allocations are assigned to class groupings within a school is a matter for the school board of management and principal to consider and decide how best to allocate resources and organise class groupings within the school.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.