Around 260 children with additional needs do not have an offer of a school place for September, the Dáil has heard.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said that this is "only the tip of the iceberg" and said that children are having their "basic right to an education denied".
Deputy Murphy said every child should have an appropriate school place in their local community.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it is the Government’s job to uphold children's right to an education, especially children with educational needs.
Mr Martin said it is a key priority for Government.
He said around 407 special classes are being created this year and close to 2,700 new special education placements.
An additional 1,200 places are available due to student movement, he said.
"This brings the total available places to close to 4,000 for about 3,275 seeking them", the Taoiseach added.
He said the key issue is ensuring that students have access to schools close to them.
Mr Martin said five new special schools are being established, but that some of them will not be ready before September.
"Temporary alternatives are being provided in respect of those where building works are being carried out," he said.
Mr Martin said the Government would work to ensure no child is without an appropriate school place in September.
