(Ireland) Ed Minister confirms 2,700 more children in special classes this fall
- The end of childhood
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
April 11, 2025, Irish Independent: Department of Education announces nearly 400 new special school classes for upcoming academic year
The Minister for Education Helen McEntee has confirmed that there will be 399 new special education classes for the 2025/2026 school year.
Minister McEntee said with one more class to be sanctioned, this will create spaces for 2,700 new children in special classes for the upcoming school term.
"The natural movement of children between classes will also free up 1,200 spaces, meaning that there will be nearly 4,000 available spaces for children in special education classes next term,” she said.
The announcement comes amid a nationwide shortage for teachers trained to educate a growing number of special schools and classes. . . .
The 399 new classes sanctioned includes 287 primary special classes and 112 post-primary special classes.
At primary level, a school is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs for each new special class. At post-primary level 1.5 teaching posts and 2 SNAs are provided.
Ms McEntee indicated that the majority of these places will be for children with autism, ensuring “access to the high quality education they deserve”.
“The sanctioning of these new special education classes has happened many months earlier this year, which gives both schools and parents more time to prepare. I urge all schools to now begin admitting students into these new classes to give certainty to parents and, above all, the children,” she said.
“I want to sincerely thank the schools, school leaders, boards and patrons that have been involved in the opening of these classes.”
However, Ms McEntee said despite intensive engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the identification of available accommodation, one school has not confirmed that they will open additional special classes from September.
“If no progress is made, next week I will begin the process to compel this school to open new special education classes,” she said.
Speaking last month, amid a nationwide shortage, Ms McEntee said teachers may soon undergo mandatory placement training in special education classes.
“Children with additional needs who need and deserve a school place are at the heart of these decisions, and I firmly believe that this is in their best interest.
“Work is already underway in planning new classes for September 2026, in order to give parents and schools even earlier clarity. This will also ensure that there are sufficient spaces in every area,” she said today.
Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, described it as “a very positive day” for special education. . . .
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