Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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407. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of families that have children with Downes syndrome regarding the availability of special classes for children with a general learning disability, not related to ASD, within mainstream schools; the actions she will take to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36111/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate 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 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.

Of the 3,335 special classes nationwide, 50 are designated by the NCSE for students with a Mild General Learning Disability, 36 at primary level and 14 are at post primary level. These classes can accommodate up to 11 students each.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 287 are at primary and 112 at post primary level.

The department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools and students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.

The functions of the NCSE include planning and coordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

By the end of the year there will be close to 21,000 special educational teachers and 23,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. This will mean we will have over 44,000 teachers and SNAs working in our education system committed to supporting and nurturing children with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

Allocations of special education teaching (SET) posts and SNA allocations for the next school year have recently been provided to schools. The NCSE also publish SET and SNA allocations on their website.

Under the new parental notification process, the NCSE have a clearer lens on the level of need for special class and special school places. The vast majority of children and young people looking for special classes continue to be children with autism.

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.