Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
517. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on an application for a school (details supplied) to open a fifth class for students with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46530/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is not in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
I can confirm that my Department did approve capital funding in 2021 for the addition of 1 x Special education classroom. This project would bring the total special classes in the school in question to 4 special classes.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. ASA application forms are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie.
