Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
332. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she has investigated the former site of a school (details supplied) in Monasterevin, as a permanent site for additional special education needs in south Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42551/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe property to which the Deputy refers is understood to be in the ownership of the local parish and it is also understood that there are plans in place for its future use.
I would like to assure the Deputy that enabling children with special educational needs (SEN) to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
Arising from this work, four new special schools were established for the 2024/25 school year. The establishment of a further five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year has recently been announced.
As the Deputy is aware, the four new special schools established in 2024 included a new special school to serve Kildare which was established under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. The initial start-up location for the new special school in Kildare is at the Craddockstown Education Campus beside Naas Community National School. My Department continues to examine potential sites for the school's long-term location and this will be confirmed in due course.
With respect to special school provision more generally across the county, there are also new school building projects planned or in train for St. Raphael’s Special School, St. Anne’s Special School and St. Mark’s Special School.
