Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
505. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth if schools with two special classes are eligible for funding for a designated playground area, for the specific use of students in these special classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45715/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my department provides €30,000 funding to school authorities when a new Special education class is being opened in order to facilitate the set up process. It is also open to schools to apply for up to €80,000 to repurpose existing accommodation for establishing a new special class, to include works to create a play space for these pupils.
Where a school has already established special classes and they have not applied for funding previously; it is open to schools to make an application under my department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme to develop a school play space for the specific benefit of the children enrolled in the special classes. Further details of this are available at www.gov.ie/education.
The Deputy will be aware that my department published its sectoral investment plan which details the priorities and sequencing for the total of €7.55 billion which will be invested in the education and youth sectors between 2026 and 2030. This is a very significant investment that will help deliver on our commitment to have a world-class education system supporting every learner to reach their full potential. It contains a clear commitment to special education provision and seeks to maximise the use of existing capacity in a way that ensures continued strong delivery and good value for money. I can assure the Deputy that special education needs accommodation projects will remain a key priority throughout the duration of the National Development Plan period.
