Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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650. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children nationwide who sought a letter of eligibility for a place in a special class or special school through the parents notify portal, before the deadline of 1 October 2025; the number seeking a letter of eligibility for a place in a special class and special school in south Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57942/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs.

In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning 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 was set for parents to do so.

This notification process 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 currently collating the data and will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/2027 school year after they review and assess all of the information which has been provided through the parents' notification process.

Once complete the NCSE will be in a position to engage with schools across the country to open new special classes. The NCSE will also have due regard to any vacant places in existing special classes in an area and any places that will become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school.

I would like to reassure the Deputy also that parents who missed the 1 October deadline will be supported by the NCSE in seeking a special educational placement. Parents should continue to contact the NCSE for guidance and support via the contact details on the NCSE's website.