The NCSE is the statutory agency with responsibility for the provision of special education places. The NCSE has sanctioned 407 new special classes for the coming school year, of which 398 are autism special classes while three are autism early intervention classes. This brings to 3,742 the number of special classes in our schools. The NCSE has advised my Department that an updated list of these classes is available on the NCSE website and I am also happy to share this list with the Deputy. Combined with 300 new special school places, this brings to 2,700 the number of new school places for children with special educational needs. This additional capacity, together with the movement of children across existing classes, means that the Department and the NCSE have created more capacity than there were children known to the NCSE by the deadline of February 2025. The NCSE has advised me that, outside of Dublin, all children known to it by the February deadline and who required a special class placement at primary or post-primary level had received a place. For a small number of children in the Dublin area who are seeking a special class or special school placement, the NCSE is working intensively with those parents and the schools concerned to finalise the arrangements for the 2025-26 school year. In addition, the NCSE is working closely with parents who came forward post the February deadline to support them into available placements. This year, in order to ensure new special classes could open as quickly as possible for the 2025-26 school year, the NCSE prioritised work with medium and larger primary schools that have available accommodation but do not have an existing special class. This approach maximises the use of existing space that can be reconfigured efficiently while also ensuring that new provision continues to be established. The increased number of schools with special classes provides parents with greater choice and will also reduce the distances that some children are travelling to access a special class place. This will remain a priority for the 2026-27 school year.
Sentiment score: 0.53
I assure the Deputy that the figures in relation to the number of classes being opened around the country are correct. On the individual school the Deputy mentioned, I am very happy to take the details from her after the session and I will work with her to try to get a satisfactory conclusion to it. I have no difficulty in doing that. I have to say that the Minister and I have done significant work on this over the last number of months. We have had weekly meetings with the NCSE and the Department to make sure we have special classes and places across the country to accommodate the need that was identified and is continuing to be identified. In some of the schools, we have been working to try to find resolutions to it. I would appreciate if the Deputy could give me the sequence of letters she has referred to and I will take the matter up. There is an awful lot of work being done. I thank all the school communities across the country who have been so accommodating. A lot of them have bent over backwards to make sure they are opening special classes. I will discuss the specific issue with the Deputy after the session and try to get clarity.
Sentiment score: 0.26
I have some personal experience of Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí that opened special classes, and they would be taught through the medium of Irish. What the Deputy has said has been brought to our attention before by people, but it is clear that it is whatever the medium is in the school, in this case the medium of Irish. Some of the schools operating special classes are hugely successful and the school ethos is important. I take that point. If a special class is opening in a school taught through the medium of Irish, that class should be taught through the medium of Irish. That is clearly understood, certainly by me, and it should be understood by everybody. I will follow that up internally, but the point is well made.
Sentiment score: 0.45
I thank the Deputy for his question and Deputy McAuliffe for his interest in this matter. I thank both Deputies for their continuing interest in education. It is hugely important that it is brought to the fore in the House. Education is a hugely important part of everyone's life, so it is hugely important that we strive to get it right. The NCSE is the statutory agency with responsibility for the provision of special education places. As I alluded to earlier this morning, there are over 407 new special classes sanctioned for the coming school year. The NCSE does not hold information on special education provision broken down by constituency, but I can say there are 103 new special classes sanctioned for the 2025-26 school year across Dublin, including 81 at primary and 22 at post-primary level. An updated list of these classes is available on the NCSE website, and I am also happy to share this information with the House and the Deputy. Combined with the 300 new special school places, this brings to 2,700 the number of new school places for children with special educational needs. This additional capacity, together with the movement of children across existing classes, means that the Department and the NCSE have created more capacity than children known to the NCSE by the deadline of February 2025. The NCSE has advised me that outside of Dublin, all children known to it by the February deadline who required a special class placement at primary and post-primary level have received a place. For a small number of children in the Dublin area who are seeking a special class or special school placement, the NCSE is working intensively with the parents and schools concerned to finalise the arrangements. On the specific issue the Deputy raised, of the special classes that have been sanctioned, over 80% involve a reconfiguration of existing capacity within school buildings. We have sanctioned 407 in total, and it is hoped they will all open. However, I will get the information the Deputy requested to him as a matter of urgency.
Sentiment score: 0.47
The review of the EPSEN Act was very important research. I commend all those who helped with the review. Launched recently, it provides very good information, including on additional needs. Teacher and SNA recruitment is kept under constant review by the Department. Many of the boards of management of schools and education and training boards are conducting interviews in these weeks to fill vacancies. Teachers also get additional training. It is important to note that many great teachers are coming through the colleges and going into the education system. We have to be very mindful of the possibility that there will be teacher shortages in future. We are working to keep that under review. Boards of management and the Department are working to ensure that staff are in place.
Sentiment score: 0.22
We have had many discussions in recent weeks. The Deputy mentioned the deputation from the Down Syndrome Ireland Galway branch who were here yesterday to discuss mild general learning classes. ASD classes are opening across the country based on the need being presented. We have to be mindful of children with other additional needs and ensuring they are accommodated within the school system. That point has been well made by groups throughout the country and it is one we are very conscious of and keeping under constant review. On the issue of admissions and the inspectorate report, my understanding is that a circular was issued after that review. It is important that the admissions policy is kept constantly under review because it will enable children to get into schools. We need to put an awful lot of thought into it in future as well.
Sentiment score: 0.07