Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

374. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether she will be announcing any additional special education classes for the upcoming school year; the consideration being given to applications from schools that are still outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29350/26]

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

Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 432 have been sanctioned to date and more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level.

The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs.

Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.

Of the 432 new special classes, 286 are being established in primary schools and 146 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county.

Five inclusive special classes have been sanctioned as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This builds on good practice that helps students with additional needs learn alongside other students in mainstream classes, while also having time during the day to receive extra support in a special class. It formalises good practices already in place in many schools and aligns with national policy developments on inclusive education.

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 achieve their full potential.