Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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878. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the development of a centralised application system, in tandem with the NCSE, to deal with applications for children with special educational needs more efficiently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45983/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The rollout of the pilot Single Online Application for Schools marks a significant step towards fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system.

As the Deputy will be aware, the pilot will involve five towns: Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore. The pilot will provide a single online application form for parents or guardians who want to apply for a first-year place for their child in participating schools, including for special classes. Parents will be able to apply to any or all schools within their pilot area on one online application.

In recent years, demographic shifts and increasing demand for special class provision for students with special educational needs have placed growing pressure on school admissions across the country. Duplicate applications, families choosing specific schools, and students applying from outside the local area can make it seem like schools are more full than they are. These factors can give an incomplete picture of how many places are available in schools.

In response to these challenges and a commitment in the Programme for Government to reforming the admissions process, my Department is working towards a nationwide common application system. As a first step, the pilot Single Online Application for Schools is set to launch in October 2025 for the 2026/27 admissions cycle. This initiative aims to streamline the application process, improve transparency, and support more effective planning and equitable access to school places. Importantly, it also aims to lay the groundwork for a robust, nationwide system.

Applications will open from 01 October 2025 for first year post-primary school places in September 2026 and detailed information for parents and guardians will be available shortly. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is continuing to work closely with schools, patrons, management bodies and other key stakeholders in the five pilot areas.