Malcolm Byrne
Question:354. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned building project, including an SEN class at a school (details supplied [13771/26]
View answerThursday, 19 February 2026
Questions (354)
Written answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my department is not in receipt of an application under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
The purpose of my department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
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 repurpose an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). ASA application forms are available on my department’s website: www.education.ie
Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 348.