Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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179. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the current one-size-fits-all system whereby a minimum of six pupils are needed to establish a special education class and acknowledge that this disproportionately affects rural communities; and if they will explore implementing more flexible options. [30701/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive a befitting education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided. These classes are resourced in line with the Special Education Review Committee's recommendations. This ensures that these classes continue to meet the needs of students who are enrolled and the class is as inclusive as possible in that as many children as possible are accommodated.

A large number of special classes have been opened in schools in rural areas and this continues to be the case for the coming school year. Where a small school has 1 or 2 children with more complex special educational needs and wish to remain in their local school, the NCSE are happy to support the school and review the needs of the school to support the children. This would be a normal part of ongoing NCSE work with schools at local level.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.