Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
283. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if students who are meant to be starting in first year in a school (details supplied) but who, due to delays in the construction of the modular unit, are having their start date in the school pushed back to mid-October 2026, could be provided with dedicated SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52691/26]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers have been granted capital funding for Two x special education classroom plus ancillary accommodation under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
Kerrigan Sheanon Newman(KSN) have been appointed, from my Department’s Framework, to design and tender this schools project. This is a collaborative process between the Project Manager, School Authority and the Department.
The project is earmarked to start on site within the coming weeks.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs. The school should make contact with their local NCSE special education needs organiser (SENO) to discuss the matter.
My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this accommodation and will be working closely with the Project Managers and School Authority to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.
