Parents seeking school places for children with special educational needs for next September have been urged to contact the National Council for Special Education before 1 October to alert it to their needs.
This deadline is earlier than in previous years and is part of efforts to bring forward the process for allotting special school places, with the aim of getting new classes sanctioned by the end of this year and avoiding last minute pressures.
Parents are being asked to fill out the NCSE's Parents Notify form by 1 October. It can be found online and submitted electronically.
Once the form is submitted, the NCSE it will review the information.
Families are being urged to contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) if they are unsure as to whether or not they need to fill out the Parents Notify form.
Speaking at the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability, Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education Michael Moynihan said the aim was to get classes sanctioned by the end of December and thereby provide clarity and certainty for both parents and schools.
"This will allow for greater lead in times and will ensure that the facilities and accommodation is provided in time for children to attend school in September 2026," he added.
The minister said that approximately 30,500 students with more complex needs will be enrolled in special classes and special schools this month - an increase of over 12,000 students (67%) since 2020.
"It is always important to recall that the majority of children with additional needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers," he added.
Mr Moynihan also said that a departmental report into the age limit applicable for school transport drivers will be ready in "a couple of weeks".
As it stands, drivers over 70 are prevented from providing school transport for children with special educational needs.
