Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
564. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the basis on which modular accommodation under the additional school accommodation scheme is not being considered for a school (details supplied); whether the status of the building as a relatively new facility precludes such consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30123/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this important objective. The Deputy will be aware that a key focus of the recently published NDP investment plan for the education and youth sector is the creation of additional places in special classes and special schools. It also emphasises the critical requirement to maximise the use of existing school accommodation.
The optimisation of existing school capacity is a key aspect of the Department’s infrastructure strategy. This supports an inclusive approach, addresses climate objectives and ensures value for money, recognising the many competing demands across the programme. Modular projects are targeted in contexts where existing capacity is not sufficient to deliver on school place requirements.
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 department is guided by the NCSE in relation to the requirement for special classes in the first instance. When a special class has been sanctioned in a school by the NCSE, a sanction letter is then issued.
The NCSE is currently engaging with schools in the area referred to by the Deputy in advance of sanctioning further special classes. My department is liaising closely with the NCSE on this matter.
In relation to the specific school referenced by the Deputy, I can confirm that my department has received an application for capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation scheme. My department is engaging with the NCSE and the school patron as part of considering this application. The Department will also engage directly with the school on the matter.
There are a number of core factors that the department must consider in relation to this and all applications. One factor is the advice of the NCSE in relation to the demand for special education places in the area and consideration of how the demand can most effectively be addressed across relevant schools. A second factor is the existing capacity at the school and ensuring that this is being fully optimised before any additional accommodation is considered. For the school under reference, a relevant consideration is that it has the benefit of a new school building with a dedicated two classroom special education needs base which includes a central activity space and suite of ancillary rooms. A third factor is the technical feasibility of additional accommodation, including any impact this might have on external play areas. Other key factors in assessing applications include demographic projections, timing of requirements, value for money, and affordability within NDP funding envelopes.
I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to engage with the school and its patron in reviewing relevant options for special class delivery, in conjunction with the ongoing consideration by the NCSE of special class requirements in the area.
