Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the nationwide roll out of the new single application system for school placements, including applications for places in special education classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17424/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The rollout of the pilot Single Online Application for Schools represents a significant step towards improving the school admissions system. For the first time, this system provided families with a single online application process and introduced synchronised and streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions and issue offers.

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 processes across the country. Complexities in the admissions process can cause unnecessary stress for families and place a significant administrative burden on 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 Apply to School pilot scheme was launched in October 2025 for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle. The pilot was introduced for 15 post-primary schools in five school planning areas namely Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones and Tullamore-Killina.

While Apply to School received positive feedback, obtaining an 80% customer effort score, a key objective of the pilot project was to accumulate learnings for future developments. Detailed post-project evaluations with participating schools are ongoing and this input will be carefully considered and integrated into future iterations of the scheme. Key deliverable improvements to the system aimed at further enhancing user experiences are targeted for the next phase of the project. More complex issues, such as the expression of school preference, will be considered for future implementation following appropriate consultation with key stakeholders, and with a focus on an equitable and transparent solution.

I expect to have a further update on the next phase of this project later in Q1 2026, which will include clarity on greater system functionality and a larger cohort of participating schools.

I can assure the Deputy, that department officials will continue to work in consultation with all stakeholders to develop an evidentially informed, equitable and trusted solution for the nationwide Common Application System and deliver this in an incremental way that ensures the admissions process safeguards the best interest of children.