Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the applications for ASD classes in two schools in County Tipperary which have not had their classes sanctioned (details supplied); the reasons for not sanctioning these classes, particularly given that both schools have space available for a new ASD class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16600/25]

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.

Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. 2,700 new places are being created and these together with the over 1,200 existing places available for enrolment will mean there is close to 4,000 places available for the coming school year. This significant level of provision means that the department and NCSE have created sufficient capacity for the children whose parents and schools have identified as requiring a place.

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.

The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and these schools will remain as potential options for future classes. Local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 375 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 17 are in Tipperary, 9 at primary and 8 at post primary level. This will add to the 138 special classes already sanctioned in Tipperary, 90 in primary and 48 at post-primary level.

In County Tipperary and indeed nationwide, the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm remaining classes. As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of the remaining special classes they will inform parents.

Schools not sanctioned this year will remain as a potential option for future classes. Local 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.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the significant pressure for places in ASD special classes in primary schools in the Dublin 15 area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17224/25]

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.

Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. 2,700 new places are being created and these together with the over 1,200 existing places available for enrolment will mean there is close to 4,000 places available for the coming school year. This significant level of provision means that the department and NCSE have created sufficient capacity for the children whose parents and schools have identified as requiring a place.

A taskforce to support the forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area was established last October. The Dublin 15 area has experienced significant increases in population growth in recent years, with high levels of migration into the area there is significant demand for special educational provision in the area. The taskforce will also consider the development of a common application system for admission to primary special classes.

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 the county of Dublin, 11 of these are in the D15 area. This will add to the 602 special classes already sanctioned in the county. The NCSE expect to confirm further new special classes this week also.

There are also 40 special schools in Dublin with approximately 2,600 students enrolled. One of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in nearby Lucan. This schools will open for enrolment shortly. In addition, another special school in the area is expanding with building projects in train. There are also 2 building projects involving Danú Community Special School to provide additional capacity both in the short term and medium term.

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.

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