Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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731. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in Dublin 11 that expressed an interest in opening a special class in the years 2023-2025; the number of these applications that were refused; the reasons given for any such refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12338/25]

Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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732. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in Dublin 11 that were contacted by the National Council for Special Education in relation to the opening of a special class; the number of these schools that declined to open a special class; if her Department is aware of the reasons for any of these schools declining the opening of a special class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12339/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 731 and 732 together.

Enabling children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

By the end of the year there will be over 20,800 special educational teachers and 23,400 SNAs in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. This will mean we will have over 44,200 teachers and SNAs working in our education system committed to supporting and nurturing children with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. Budget 2025 provides for an additional 2,700 specialist places, made up of 400 new special class and 300 additional special school places. On top of this, there will be over 1,000 places available through the normal annual movement of students progressing from primary to post-primary and students graduating from post-primary or special schools. There also remains special class vacancies in some areas of the country.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 309 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 53 are in Dublin, 37 at primary and 16 at post primary level.

This will add to the 602 special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 40 special schools in Dublin with approximately 2,600 students enrolled. Two of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Lucan and Belmayne also. These schools will open for enrolment shortly.

In Dublin and indeed nationwide, the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm further classes. As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of the remaining special classes they will inform parents.

The NCSE, in line with their statutory function engage directly with schools in relation to the sanctioning of new special classes and therefore the information requested in relation to special classes is not available to my department. I will arrange to have your question referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply

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