Local TDs call for extra autism classes for Stapolin Educate Together

Dublin Bay North TDs Cian O’Callaghan and Barry Heneghan have raised the issue of Stapolin Educate Together National School in their constituency.

The two local TDs told the Dáil of how the school is lacking in places for children on the autism spectrum, and how there is a 50-strong waiting list.

Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday (Oct 22) O’Callaghan said that the two additional classes need to be created as a matter of urgency.

The Social Democrats TD said that the National Council for Special Education has given the school priority to add special classes, but it requires government approval.

“Here we have a school offering to open two additional autism classes – all that is lacking is government approval to make it happen.”

“Minister McEntee must now meet with the principal of Stapolin Educate Together National School and give a firm undertaking to approve these additional classes,” O’Callaghan said.

O’Callaghan read correspondence from the school principal, which read “the government to act on this. This is an area with a huge amount of new residential accommodation built over the past number of years. There is also a huge number of families with young children. It is a thriving area with a massive need. We need the Minister to act on this now.”

Heneghan said, “my colleagues and I across Dublin Bay North are hearing this consistently.”

The independent TD noted that the autism classes are only in their third year of service, but have already built “a great model of excellence.”

“My main asks on behalf of the school are for the Minister to sanction two additional autism classes for the 2026-2027 school year to meet demand and to ensure that, with its proven capacity and clear success, it is prioritised along with other schools when allocating special classes.

“I also ask that the Minister renew the SENO guidance and decision-making to ensure recommendations are based on children’s assessed needs rather than the absence of available places.”

Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins, filling in for party colleagues, told the Dublin Bay North TDs, “it is important to remember that, as we do this, our focus remains in keeping with policy on an inclusive education that promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.”

“Of course, where demand is identified for special education classes, this will be sanctioned by the NCSE and established in schools within local areas. I accept that it may not always be possible to sanction these classes in preferred schools. It is important that classes be distributed fairly across schools in areas. This ensures inclusion practices continue in as many schools as possible and ensures our provision continues to expand evenly across diverse schools.”