Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
328. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the proposed ASD classroom; the current status of the school’s application with her Department; the stage the project is at within the approval process; the anticipated timeline for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13561/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to was approved to enter the Department's pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide two Science labs and one prep area, one Home Economics, one Music room, one Textiles room, a two class Special Education Needs (SEN) base and ancillary accommodation. This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
A Stage 1 preliminary design report was submitted to the Department in April 2025. This report is currently under review from a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes last month, which is several months earlier than last year. 301 have been sanctioned to date and many more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level. In sanctioning new special classes, the NCSE have due regard to the level of need in an area and the existing provision, including how many places are expected to be available through the normal movement of students from primary to post-primary or finishing school. Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes.
The accommodation needs at this school will also be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led NDP prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
