Hundreds of children to be denied school place this year due to shortage of special classes

Labour’s education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny questioned the Taoiseach on whether the high number of applications this years means 600 special classes were required for this September. File picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Hundreds of students may be blocked from accessing an appropriate education this year, as there are not currently enough school places for all children who require special classes.

The Dáil Public Accounts Committee has heard there are not enough special classes available for the next academic year to meet the demand that is currently there for September 2026.