Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
250. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Offaly has been refused funding for the central activity space element in its funding application for a new autism spectrum development unit. [17952/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that in cases where an ASD unit is approved as an extension to a mainstream school the existing available school accommodation is considered in order to establish the level of additional accommodation to be provided.
It is considered that a centrally located space can be used to promote contact with mainstream students. This space can be used by teaching staff for group class work, drama and used for play. Where a General Purpose room is available within the existing school accommodation it is considered that this is appropriate to meet the requirements for integration. In the school referred to by the Deputy a General Purpose Room is available, therefore, a central activities space was not included as part of the accommodation for the ASD facility.
