Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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834. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the provision of an appropriate school place for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45682/25]

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 NCSE has confirmed that a placement in a special class has been offered for the 2025/26 school year to the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The local special educational needs organiser (SENO) remains available to the family should they require any further advice or support.

The NCSE is now planning for the 2026/27 school year. To support the NCSE and forward planning my department 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 information 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 NCSE is actively communicating this requirement nationally also.

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

Parents can make initial contact, submit reports and provide consent forms directly via the NCSE’s emailing or calling 01 603 3346.

My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs for this school year and future years.