Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which additional school places/provision for children with special needs/facilities arising from population increases can be updated in the case of Tiermohan National School, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23241/23]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). ASA application forms are available on my Department’s website www.education.ie. Similarly, where special schools are requested to expand provision or wish to refurbish existing facilities, they may also apply to my Department for capital funding to carry out these works.
Over the last two years, the Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year.
The Department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school in question.
