Eamon Scanlon TD asked the Minister for Education: Special Educational Needs

Eamon Scanlon TD of County Leitrim asked the Minister for Education and Youth in the Dáil on 10 June 2026 when a decision would be issued regarding an SNA appeal for a school, supplying details of the case. He also requested that the minister confirm whether she would make a statement on the matter.

The question comes at a time when special‑needs provision is expanding across south Leitrim. Lough Allen College in Drumkeerin has recently secured approval to open a second autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class for the 2026/27 academic year, a move welcomed by the school’s principal Rachel Shannon as an important step for students with autism and their families. A similar development was announced at Scoil Mhuire in Carrick‑on‑Shannon, where a new ASD class has been sanctioned as part of a broader rollout that will see 32 special classes established nationwide.

In addition to secondary schools, two primary schools – Ballinamore and Mohill – have also received approval for new special classes, bringing the total number of sanctioned special‑needs units in County Leitrim to eight. These approvals reflect growing demand for specialist educational support within local communities rather than sending pupils further afield.

The SNA appeal that Scanlon referred to is likely connected to these efforts to enhance inclusive education, though the exact nature of the appeal was not detailed in the question. The TD’s request underscores the importance of timely decisions and clear communication from the Department of Education and Youth on matters affecting students with additional needs across the county.

For full details see the Oireachtas debate record for 10 June 2026.

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