Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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320. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students on reduced hours; for a breakdown of same for each of the past three years and categorised based on primary or secondary school and SEN recommendation or not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13146/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The position of the Department of Education is that all pupils who are enrolled in a school should attend school for the full day. Where this is not possible for exceptional circumstances this is known as a reduced school day.

A commitment was made to ensure robust data collection on the use of reduced school days and to further ensure that reduced school days are only used in a manner that is limited, appropriate and absolutely necessary. In September 2021, the Department of Education issued Reduced School Day Guidelines to all schools on the procedures to be followed when reduced school days are put in place for students. These guidelines came into effect on 1 January 2022. These guidelines clearly state that reduced school days should not be used as a sanction, offered as an alternative to a sanction, or used as a behavioural management tool.

Where a reduced school day is used, it should be applied proportionately and should last only as long as is necessary to facilitate a return to school on a full-time basis. Signed parental/guardian consent (or consent of the student if over 18) should be received prior to implementation of a reduced school day. The guidelines set out that where consent is not given or subsequently withdrawn and the school proceeds or continues with a reduced school day, this is effectively a suspension, and an appeal may be made under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.

The department is committed to publishing data in respect of reduced school days on an annual basis. The details of RSDs for the 2023/2024 school year report were published on the 14th February 2025. The number of children on a reduced school day in the 2023/24 school year increased from 0.11% to 0.13% of the student population. Given that the requirement to report the use of reduced school days is relatively recent, this increase is largely attributable to greater awareness and reporting.

The vast majority of children 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. Almost 1,700 new special classes were sanctioned and 11 special schools established over the last 5 years. A further 5 new special schools will open for the coming school year.

The use of Reduced School Days is monitored by the Department and all services involved continue to work collaboratively and proactively to enable the best outcome for each individual child. Schools are encouraged to seek advice from their local Tusla Educational Welfare Officer, National Educational Psychological Services psychologist and the NCSE’s Special Educational Needs Organisers so that the right support for each child can be provided. In addition, if any parent feels that reduced school days are being used inappropriately or without their consent they can contact their local EWO, SENO or the Department and this will be investigated.

My Department continues to work closely with Tusla Education Support Service and the National Council for Special Education to ensure that all students are supported to the greatest extent possible to attend for the full school day.

The figures for reduced school days as requested by the Deputy are available since January 2022 and are published on www.gov.ie/en/publication/63545-the-use-of-reduced-school-days/. An extract containing a summary of this information is set out below.

Breakdown of number of students reported on reduced school days January 2022 to June 2024.

Extract from Reduced School Day Report 2023/24:

www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/319250/d111e9ca-6159-4718-9bb4-719cb7a2a2d7.pdf#page=null