David Cullinane
Question:153. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education if she will permit the opening of a third ASD unit at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11732/23]
View answerThursday, 23 March 2023
Questions (153)
Written answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The school to which the Deputy refers is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities in due course.