Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith, welcomes 5 new special classes in Cavan/Monaghan. The additional classes were announced today by Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan.
Today’s announcement comes as part of the first tranche of new special classes allocated nationwide, which will see a record number of new special classes sanctioned across the country to open for the 2026/2027 school year.
Today sees 168 classes assigned to 159 schools, with 5 classes assigned in Cavan/Monaghan.
Expressing his delight at today’s allocation, Deputy Brendan Smith said:
“I am delighted today to hear from my Fianna Fáil colleague Minister Michael Moynihan that 5 new special classes have been allocated to Cavan/Monaghan. Included in today’s allocation is Breifne College, Killinkere National School, St Michael’s National School, Cootehill, Corracrin National Schooland Scoil Éanna, Ballybay.
“These additional resources will have enormous benefits for students, teachers, and parents. Everybody is entitled to an education, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to giving every child throughout the country an equal opportunity at education.
“Not only that, but the right resources must be there for those who depend on it, and that is why I am delighted with today’s allocation for my constituency,” he said.
This forms as part of a greater allocation of 168 new classes nationwide, with more to be sanctioned over the coming weeks.
Deputy Brendan Smith went on to praise the work of Minister Moynihan, highlighting clarity that for parents earlier in the year cannot be understated.
“Clarity for parents is paramount. It is fantastic to see the Minister being proactive on this, providing parents and children with that certainty and clarity going into the new school year. It also benefits schools, so they have adequate time to plan for the opening of their new special classes.
Concluding, he said:
“In 2026 alone, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with additional needs. This will include an increase of over 860 special education teacher and over 1,700 special needs assistant posts.
He added: “That will mean we will have almost 46,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs in our schools.
“I have been in constant contact with Minister Moynihan in support of the applications of other schools throughout Cavan and Monaghan who also need to have Special Classes approved and I hope that there will be more approvals for this area when the Minister makes further announcements on Special Education”, stated Brendan Smith.
“Fianna Fáil is the party of education. We are wholly committed to supporting students with additional needs and today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment”, he concluded.
