Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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303. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special classes each primary and post-primary school has; if they have requested a new special class or classes; and the number of children who have applied for special classes in each school. [13004/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The NCSE, in line with their statutory function, approach schools in relation to opening new special classes directly. Parents are advised to contact the NCSE to inform them that they are seeking a special education placement, this is to allow the NCSE provide advice and support to the parent but also to ensure adequate planning regarding required provision in local areas. Therefore, the information and detail requested is held by the NCSE. I will therefore share your request with the NCSE for a direct reply.

Of the 3,336 special classes nationwide, 2,339 are at primary level and 997 are at post primary level. 400 new special classes places were provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 309 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year, 208 at primary and 101 at post-primary level. This will add to the 3,336 special classes currently in operation around the country.

Provision is provided to meet confirmed demand and the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm where further classes are required to ensure there is adequate provision at a local level for students who require specialist provision. This ensures students are not travelling long distances in order to access an education befitting of their needs. 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.

My department works closely with the NCSE on the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. It is aware that demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.

In October 2022, my department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. Last year my department issued a circular to all schools setting out new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. Included in this circular was a reminder of the need for post primary schools to continue planning for this level of provision.

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