Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

494. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the D15 pilot scheme for common enrolment; if there are plans to roll this out in other areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61240/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

A taskforce to support the forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area was established to support planning for the 2025/26 school year. The Dublin 15 area has experienced significant increases in population growth in recent years, with high levels of migration into the area and includes areas with social disadvantage.

The taskforce also considered the development of a common application system for admission to primary special classes. The voice of parents has been a key component of the taskforce. Parent representation on the taskforce includes representatives from the Autism School Dublin 15 (ASD15) group, the National Parents Council and parents from the local area.

The taskforce to support forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area submitted its report to the Minister in June 2025. The taskforce’s recommendations are currently being examined.

The NCSE is leading work at a local level with school principals on running the admissions trial for another year. The key focus of my Department remains working with the NCSE and school patron bodies to secure additional special classes.

My Department is progressing a larger common application trial which is running concurrently for admission to post-primary schools and special classes in Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore. These pilots form an important step towards delivering a more efficient, transparent and equitable school application process. It will reduce stress for parents and children, ease administrative burdens on schools, while also supporting better planning for school places.

The Department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs. We will continue to review and monitor the situation in the D15 area and, indeed, nationwide as to where new special classes and schools are required.