Simon Harris
Question:87. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29758/13]
View answerThursday, 20 June 2013
Questions (87)
Written answers
The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated over 500m² of accommodation for special needs pupils as part of a new building that contains 8550m² of accommodation in total. Funding of €6,500 for a dedicated special class was provided in addition to €7,000 to purchase equipment for the schools multi sensory room. This level of funding accords with the Department's current guidelines on funding special needs units and is provided to all primary and post-primary schools irrespective of the delivery methodology used. In addition, grant aid may also be made available to schools to fund the purchase of special items of furniture for special needs pupils. This scheme applies to all children who are diagnosed as having special needs. Schools must apply directly to the Department with applications required to be supported with a report prepared by a professional who has assessed the individual special pupil's needs. Only furniture approved by the Department in such cases will be funded. Therefore the specific needs of each individual special needs pupil are required to be identified and supported by a statement to be submitted by the pupil's professional advisor with supporting information and details. This has not happened to date in this instance. On receipt of such information the matter will be explored further and a decision issued.