Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
98. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education when a three-classroom extension project at a special school (details supplied) in County Cork will progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52739/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to, was approved a project under my Department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme and responsibility for the delivery of this project has been devolved to the school authority.
The school authority has appointed a design team and submitted design options in their stage 1 report to my Department. Professional and technical Department officials have reviewed this report, visited the school in May and July this year and issued technical advice in order to progress the project.
My Department is currently awaiting a revised stage 1 submission from the school authority. My officials will continue to work closely with the school authority and its design team in order to ensure this important project progresses as quickly as possible.
This year, my Department has increased investment on special education by over 10% on last year to over €2.6 billion. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 and will result in over 25% of the Department’s budget being dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023. This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
Over the last two years, my 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. My Department continues to work closely with the NCSE in relation to the requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements. My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
