103. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the number of new special classes and special schools sanctioned for September 2025; if she will guarantee these will all be open by September 2025 and fully resourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16978/25]

Sentiment score: 0.26

Iarraim ar an Aire nua-shonrú a thabhairt ar líon na ranganna speisialta nua agus na scoileanna speisialta a cheadaíodh i Meán Fómhair 2025. An féidir léi a dheimhniú go mbeidh gach cheann dóibh oscailte roimh mhí Mheán Fómhair na bliana seo? I would like the Minister to provide an update on the number of new special classes and special schools sanctioned for September 2025. Can she guarantee that these will be opened this September?

Sentiment score: 0.26

Cuirim lánfáilte roimh na figiúirí agus na huimhreacha a thug an tAire Stáit dúinn ach is iad na focal is tábhachtaí ná "they are provided" agus "they are sanctioned". It is important these are actually open. As a former primary school teacher of nearly 20 years, with at least eight of those in special education, and now as Sinn Féin's spokesperson on special education, I am deeply concerned for the many families in Ireland who are struggling to secure appropriate school places for their children. Last week alone, I was contacted by six different families in south Kildare desperate because they have been unable to secure an appropriate place for their children in a special class or school. These are not isolated incidents. Parents from across the State have been campaigning relentlessly for years and there is still no sufficient action from the Department. This failure of Government year on year left parents with no alternative last week, as many took to the streets to sleep rough for the second time in the hopes the voices of their neglected children would be heard. While the numbers of new special classes and schools being planned for September are welcome, we need a commitment today not only that there will be places but that they will actually be opened.

Sentiment score: 0.10

Tuigim an tábhachtacht a bhaineann leis na huimhreacha atá curtha ar fáil, ach is é an rud is tábhachtaí ná go mbeidh na spásanna oiriúneach do na páistí. There is another issue that is coming up. I and my colleagues have had many parents contacting us regarding SNA allocations. In one case, 15 students were told on Friday that their SNA allocation was being withdrawn on Monday. In two other schools, reviews are indicating there will be a reduction in SNAs for September. In another school, a review recommended additional SNA support but the school was told no additional supports would be provided because it has already reached its cap. Has there been a change in approach or policy? Can the Minister of State guarantee there will be no reduction in supports to children? Many of these children are in inappropriate class settings due to their not being able to get their appropriate class. They are the ones who are most vulnerable. They rely heavily on the SNAs. These decisions are deeply affecting students who are already vulnerable. It will worsen their educational experience if the reduction in SNA support happens. Ní mór dúinn a chinntiú go bhfaigheann na páistí seo na hacmhainní ceart chun forbairt, ní hamháin maireachtáil.

Sentiment score: 0.01

There has been no change; this is just a coincidence.

Sentiment score: -0.30