Department to use legislative powers to open more special classes for next school year

Legislative powers “can and will be used” to open additional special classes for September 2025 if schools do not agree, the Department of Education has confirmed.

This week, Michael Moynihan, the minister of state for special education, told the Irish Examiner schools will be compelled to open special classes this year.

So far, approximately 220 new special classes are confirmed to open this September. Officials are working to open up to 400 classes.

Legislation referred to as Section 37a introduced in 2018 grants the relevant ministers the power to compel schools to open a special class where there is a need.

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Published by The Irish Examiner, 4th March 2025