Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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320. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on special education classes in second level schools that are provided for children with Down’s Syndrome; if she will give a commitment that her Department will plan to expand this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31283/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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It is important to remember that 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 class and special school places are provided.

This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

In order to access a special class or special school, a student must have a professional report or recommendation stating a need for this level of support. A diagnosis for a condition such as Down Syndrome is not required in order for a student to access these places.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in its statutory capacity is aware of emerging need from year to year and where special provision is required it is planned for and established to meet that need.

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 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.

In addition, in order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department recently published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of new measures introduced to support forward planning going forward and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. An earlier date of 1 October has been set in which parents must do so. This notification will provide the NCSE with valuable insights as to which children will continue to require a special class as they progress to post primary level and details on students who require a place for the first time.

The earlier date will also allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year and it is aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special by 31 December 2025.