Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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385. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans to provide additional special education classes in an area of County Cork (details supplied); her plans to increase the capacity of the special school in the area; if the National Council for Special Education has engaged with local schools in respect of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15120/25]

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.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 352 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 51 are in Cork, 33 at primary level and 18 at post-primary level. This will add to the 563 special classes currently in operation in the county.

There are also 16 special schools in Cork with approximately 1,000 students enrolled. One of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Cork. This new special school has recently advertised for a principal and will open for enrolment shortly. Plans are progressing to expand capacity at other special schools as well. In particular, my Department is engaging with Cork ETB to expand provision at both Rochestown and East Cork Community Special Schools.

In County Cork and indeed nationwide, the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm further special 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.