Following a demonstration at the Department of Education concerning the availability of school places for children with special educational needs (SEN), Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, reassured parents that the government is working diligently to meet the growing demand.
Minister McEntee acknowledged the concerns raised by parents, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring every child reaches their full potential within the education system. “I am determined that every child be supported to achieve their full potential, and we are doing everything possible to secure enough places,” McEntee said, referencing ongoing efforts to address these needs for the 2025 school year.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been actively working with parents, and the Minister noted their ongoing engagement to secure placements. Additionally, McEntee revealed that 218 new special education classes have been sanctioned across the country, with more on the horizon.
Further initiatives include the introduction of a common application system for special education placements to ensure earlier clarity for parents, as well as a continued expansion of special classes and resources for special schools. McEntee also committed to using her powers, as per 2022 legislative provisions, to compel schools to open special classes if necessary to meet the needs for 2025.
Minister of State Michael Moynihan added that he, alongside McEntee and the NCSE, would continue working tirelessly to provide clarity to concerned parents.
The NCSE is also collaborating with parents to address broader systemic challenges in the provision of school places for children with special needs. Over the last five years, significant progress has been made with a 103% increase in special class places in mainstream schools and a 20% rise in special school placements.
By 2025, 11 new special schools will have been established, and five more are planned. The NCSE remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to a school place that meets their needs.
For parents seeking special class placements, the NCSE encourages direct contact with local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) to assist with the planning process. Detailed support is available through the NCSE website.
The government’s efforts to address these issues reflect their commitment to providing adequate support and resources for children with special educational needs across Ireland.
Helen McEntee Minister for Education Picture by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia CC-BY-2.0
