Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures she is taking to sanction more early intervention classes in Kerry; the number that will be available in 2026; the number of places that will be available in total; the number of places that will be available for new students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43098/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised that 407 new special classes have been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. This includes a number of new early intervention classes bringing the total number of these classes to 160 for the 2025/26 school year.

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) programme. Its goal is to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children availing of preschool, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. There has been a significant increase in resources and supports provided to children with additional needs accessing the AIM programme over recent years.

It is important to note that a diagnosis is not required in order to access AIM supports and that while some children require additional supports at preschool level, many will transition into mainstream classes thereafter. This trend has also been noted as students’ progress from primary level to post-primary.

Where the NCSE identifies need for an early intervention class, the class is sanctioned, and supports are provided by my department to ensure the school can accommodate the class.

The NCSE continue to monitor and review the need for early intervention classes across the country on a year to year basis. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.