Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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396. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the tendering for research on demand for special school and special class places by the National Council for Special Education, in particular to report on the cost of the project and its timeline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7278/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The NCSE was formally established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. The NCSE has a number of activities arising from the functions as set out in Section 20 of the EPSEN Act, 2004. Specifically, these include conducting and commissioning research.

The NCSE provides a range of support and services to students with special educational needs, their parents and schools (mainstream schools and special schools). One of their core roles is to identify the need for and plan the establishment of special classes and special schools and supporting the enrolment of students in these settings.

The NCSE and the Department are keen to understand the factors and drivers behind the growth in this demand for placements in special classes and special schools in Ireland, and to explore and consider the implications arising for future provision and planning.

The NCSE are to commission a research study to explore the reasons why and the factors that have led to the significant growth in demand for special class and special school places in Ireland in the past two decades and in particular since 2015. The research study is currently being tendered.

It is expected that the research will commence immediately after contract signing and a first draft report will be expected by the end of November 2025 with a final report submitted following NCSE and external peer review processes in early 2026.

It is expected to cost €90,000 excluding VAT.