Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

241. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special classes each primary and post-primary school has in Carlow and Kilkenny; if they have requested a new special class or classes; the number children that have applied for special classes in each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14827/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 and the level of information and detail requested is held by them in order to perform this function. I will therefore share your request with the NCSE for a direct reply.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 336 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 7 are in Carlow, 6 at primary and 1 at post primary level, and 9 in Kilkenny, 7 at primary level and 2 at post-primary level.

This will add to the 59 special classes already sanctioned in Carlow, 40 in primary and 19 at post-primary level, and 62 in Kilkenny, 40 at primary and 22 at post-primary level.

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.

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