Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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137. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on introducing a new common application system for children applying to special schools and classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31232/25]

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.

The 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 locality. The taskforce is currently working on a report with recommendations to be presented to both myself and Minister McEntee within the coming weeks.

The NCSE is leading work at local level with school principals on running the admissions trial for another year. The key focus of my department has been working with the NCSE and school patron bodies to secure additional special classes. This has involved extensive engagement over recent weeks and months.

The Common Application System Trial conducted for special classes in Dublin 15 forms part of a larger single application system and the lessons learned will contribute to the development of a larger system nationwide. My Department is working to pilot a Single Application System for admission to first year and to special classes at post-primary schools in certain areas as a step towards a nationwide common application system as included in the Programme for Government.