Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of the number of special classes in DEIS and non-DEIS schools; if she believes the number is proportionate to the number of students in DEIS and non-DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22546/25]

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.

Below is the breakdown of the the 3,335 special classes nationwide by DEIS status;

Number of Classes

Demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in both DEIS and non DEIS schools in relation to the provision of special classes.

In October 2022, my department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. Last year my department issued a circular to all schools setting out new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. Included in this circular was a reminder of the need for post primary schools to continue planning for this level of provision.

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