Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2013
129. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on an application for funding from a special needs unit at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will expedite a decision on same as the end of the school year approaches and plans are being made for next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23525/13]
View answerThe Special Education Unit (SNU) at the school referred to by the Deputy was not equipped at the time of its construction as the type of Unit to be established at the school was not known at that time. The school in question, which was delivered through the Public Private Partnership process, has since been allocated funding of €6,500 for one special class and €7,000 to purchase equipment for the school's Multi Sensory Room. This level of funding accords with my Department's current guidelines for funding SNUs and is provided to all primary and post-primary schools irrespective of the method used to deliver the school.
In addition, grant aid is available to all schools to fund the purchase of special items of furniture for special needs pupils. The scheme applies for all special needs pupils. Schools must apply directly to my Department for support and applications must be supported with a report from a professional who assessed the pupil in question. Only furniture approved by my Department can be funded. My Department does not currently have an application for furniture or equipment for the Special Needs Unit at the school to which the Deputy refers.
