Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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136. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will engage with a school (details supplied) to open a new autism classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16320/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 actively encourage expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest. However, it is not always possible to open a special class in every school that expresses an interest.

When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies or capacity and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.

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 66 are in County Dublin, 48 at primary and 18 at post primary level. These will be added to the 602 special classes currently in operation in the county.

There are also 40 special schools in Dublin with approximately 2,600 students enrolled. Two of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Lucan and Belmayne also. These schools will open for enrolment shortly.

In County Dublin 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.

Schools not sanctioned this year, such as the school referred to by the Deputy will remain as a potential option for future classes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.

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