Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding application for capital funding, under the additional school accommodation scheme from school (details supplied) for special class accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51314/23]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. However, my Department is working towards an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, with particular focus on climate action goals.
The application is currently in the final stages of assessment and when finalised the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
