School Enrolments
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-28
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Michael Moynihan (FF), Cork North-West

Over 80% of the 546 new special classes that have been sanctioned to date are located in existing buildings. We are working extensively on this. We are acutely aware of where additional accommodation has to be made available. That is a factor in how fast we can put a class in place. We take a number of issues into account when we talk about new special classes. These include the need in an area to have the class as close to the children as possible. Since 1 October, the portal has given us great insight into the level of need that exists. When parents indicate on the portal that their children have special education requirements, it behoves the Department and the NCSE to reach out and understand the need of the families involved. The important piece is the fieldwork and groundwork that are taking place between the special educational needs organisers, SENOs, and families to understand the need that exists and parents' concerns.
We used one section 37A procedure last year. We are continuing to engage with schools and school communities to ensure that we use the minimum number necessary.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-28