Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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569. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and secondary schools of which her Department is aware that have existing premises that can accommodate additional special classes but were not sanctioned for opening of same in the 2025-2026 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29686/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.

Special classes are sanctioned by the NCSE based on local demand. 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. Schools not sanctioned this year will remain as a potential option for future classes. My department and the NCSE have begun preparatory work in relation to planning for the provision of further new special class and special school places for the 2026/27 school year and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.