Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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768. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in north Kildare that expressed an interest in the opening of a specialist class in the last academic year; whether any of those expressions of interests were rejected; if so, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12763/25]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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769. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in north Kildare that were approached by the National Council for Special Education to open a specialist class; the number of schools that ultimately declined said offer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12764/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 768 and 769 together.

This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. 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 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 14 are in Kildare, 11 at primary and 3 at post primary level. This will add to the 131 special classes currently in operation in the county.

In Kildare 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.

Where new special classes have been sanctioned, I would urge schools to progress the admission of students as soon as possible to ensure that the NCSE can continue to evaluate demand in local areas, sanction classes as required and assist parents in securing a school place.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENO's directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.

The NCSE, in line with their statutory function, approach schools in relation to opening new special classes directly and the level of information and detail requested is not held by my Department. I will share your request with the NCSE for a direct reply.

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