Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
346. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if the new school buildings for a school (details supplied) will include dedicated special education classrooms; the proposed number of students who will be enrolled at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16580/24]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project for the school to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to Cavan & Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).
The project is currently at Stage 4 (Construction stage) and works commenced on site in August 2023. The project is expected to reach completion in Q4 2024, provided there are no delays.
The project will provide a five mainstream classrooms in total. Regarding special class provision, the planning and co-ordination of education and support services to children with special educational needs is a statutory function of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) 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). 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.
Based on the current primary school teacher ratio, a 5 classroom school would be expected to cater for up to 163 pupils with the appointment figure for a 6th mainstream post now at 164 pupils. However, in relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.
