The school to which the Deputy refers was sanctioned to open two special classes for September 2026 by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The school received two €30,000 Start Up Grants (total €60,000) and was advised additional funding was available if required.
The school submitted an application for additional funding under the SEN Repurposing Small Scale Works Scheme (maximum available funding per classroom of €80,000 inclusive of fees and VAT) in March 2026. The application was reviewed by my Department’s Professional & Technical Unit at the time and based on the information provided the application was approved and funding was issued. Following further engagement with the school and the provision of additional information, approval was granted for the maximum level of funding available under the scheme. The school was notified of same.
The school subsequently informed my Department that it had not received this email notification. A copy of the original notification, which detailed the level of funding approved and contained Professional & Technical Comments which confirmed that the funding is appropriate for the two classes based on Professional & Technical Unit's review, was issued to the school.
The project has now been devolved to the school for delivery. Officials at my Department will continue to liaise with the school to ensure this vital project is progressed in a timely manner.
