Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1008. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding allocated to special education services over the past three years; the number of students served and the type of support provided, by region, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40949/25]

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.

In 2025 over €2.9 billion will be spent supporting children with special educational needs. This figure builds on previous years and represents over a quarter of the education budget. It has provided for, amongst other things, 407 new special classes and 300 new special school places. It has also allowed our special educational posts to increase by 768 special education teacher and 1,600 special needs assistant (SNA) posts nationwide.

The table below outlines the funds allocated to special education in the last 3 years.