Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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535. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the application process for reading schools; the NCSEs role in managing and determining applications to reading schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61726/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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At present, there are four special schools, and fourteen special classes attached to mainstream schools to support students with a specific learning disability such as severe dyslexia. I want to acknowledge the excellent work they do. It is important to note they were established at a time when there were much fewer additional supports in schools.

Parents seeking special class or special school placements for their children are advised to contact the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Those seeking a placement for the 2026/2027 school year were asked to contact the NCSE by 1 October 2025. A very significant level of response has been received by the NCSE from parents of children and young people seeking such places. However, after further consideration, the NCSE has recently confirmed that this requirement will now commence for those seeking admission to reading special schools for the 2027/2028 school year.

In working to develop a more inclusive education system, we want to support students to attend their local mainstream schools. This means that children can be educated with their peers and are not required to travel long distances to attend special schools or classes.?

My department provides over 15,000 special education teachers to support schools to achieve this objective. This means schools get a substantial additional teaching allocation to support children with special education needs in mainstream classes. These additional resources are provided to support students with the greatest level of need, including those with dyslexia or severe dyslexia.

To build the capacity of teachers in mainstream schools to meet the needs of all students my Department funds 338 places annually for teachers to attend post-graduate special education needs programmes.

Separately the NCSE offers dedicated professional learning opportunities for teachers supporting students with additional needs.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has published guidance on Supporting Students with Literacy Difficulties/Dyslexia Using the Continuum of Support. NEPS also offers professional learning opportunities to all primary and post primary school teachers on supporting children and young people with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia.

Funding is also available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment to assist children. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local special educational needs organiser (SENO) for such support.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.