Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 March 2025
59. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the plans to place a new school compliant with fire safety regulations for both a new school and an Educate Together secondary school (details supplied); when the relevant fire safety inspection was carried out; the results of the inspection; if a report was produced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14246/25]
View answer60. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education whether there are plans to place a new school on the grounds of an existing school (details supplied) compliant with health and safety regulations; when the relevant inspection was carried out; the results of the inspection; if a report was produced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14247/25]
View answer61. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education for details on a replacement school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14248/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 60 and 61 together.
My department, together with the National Council for Special Education, has been working with parents, schools, patron bodies and other stakeholders in Dublin to provide sufficient specialist school placements for children with special educational needs.
The special school referred to is one of the 5 new special schools due to be opened for the 2025/26 school year to meet the demand for additional special school places in the North Dublin area. The urgency associated with establishing this new school means that existing accommodation must be utilised. This will then allow the school to open as quickly as possible. My Department is continuing to engage with the patron of the existing school as part of this process.
This is an interim arrangement for the new special school and the Department is working towards a long-term solution.
