Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
494. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education whether there is a requirement for all new schools builds, extensions and refurbishment to provide an ASD or other specialised unit as part of the build; what steps can be taken in the event that no ASD unit was provided following such a refurbishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56586/23]
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.
In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE take account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned. The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation. Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.
In the case of all new schools, it is general practice to include accommodation for special classes in the accommodation brief for new school buildings, unless local circumstances indicate that it will not be required. In terms of extensions and refurbishment projects, the inclusion of accommodation for special classes in the accommodation brief will be dependent on individual circumstances as to the extent of existing special classes already in the school and the need in the particular area. Other factors such as a restricted site can impact on the accommodation brief for a project.
Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available on www.ncse.ie.
