Dublin: Hildegard Naughton has assured parents that every student in Ireland will have access to a school place by September, amid ongoing concerns about enrolment pressures in several regions.
The minister emphasised that ensuring access to education for all children is a core responsibility of the government, adding that efforts are currently underway to meet this commitment.
Addressing School Place Shortages
Recent reports have highlighted difficulties faced by families in securing school placements in parts of the country, particularly in areas experiencing population growth. Authorities have been working to expand capacity and address these challenges in recent years.
Expansion of Inclusive Special Classes
Naughton pointed to the success of inclusive special classes already operating in schools nationwide. These classes typically include six students, supported by one teacher and two special needs assistants (SNAs), and are designed to provide tailored support within mainstream school settings.
The minister noted that many schools have requested formal recognition of these models due to their effectiveness. As a result, the Department of Education is moving to standardise the approach.
Additional Resources for Schools
Under the initiative, schools offering inclusive special classes receive enhanced support, including:
- One dedicated teacher
- Two SNAs
- A start-up grant of €30,000
These classes, which have developed organically across the country, have been welcomed by representative bodies for post-primary and secondary schools.
While the initiative has gained support, concerns have been raised by some stakeholders regarding its implementation. The minister confirmed that discussions have already taken place with advocacy groups and that further meetings are scheduled for next week to address these issues.
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