Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
217. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if provision will be made for an ASD unit and three additional classrooms further to his visit to a school (details supplied); and if DEIS 2 status will be awarded. [8730/18]
View answerI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application to my Department for capital funding to construct an ASD Unit and additional resource teaching rooms.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the school does not have the approval of the National Council for Special Education to establish an ASD Unit as there is sufficient provision for such special needs accommodation in the area currently. In addition, an ASD Unit is being provided in the new school development for Coosan National School that is currently under construction. In the circumstances, the school in question was advised that an ASD Unit was not warranted.
The Department considers that the school has sufficient existing accommodation for resource teaching purposes. Grant was therefore not approved and the school was advised accordingly.
I understand that the school has held DEIS Band 2 status since September 2006.
