Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
580. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the new autism spectrum disorder unit will be opened at a school (details supplied) in September 2016; if she will provide an update on the status of this project, including when work on the new building will commence; if the work will be carried out during the school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12997/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has confirmed to the schools in question that funding is being made available, on a devolved basis, to provide ASD units at both schools. It is a central tenet of the devolved scheme that responsibility for the management and delivery of a project rests with the individual school authority. I am aware that it is the schools' intention to have the accommodation in place for September 2016 and my Department is working closely with the schools in this regard. In the meantime, the schools are undertaking conversion works to the sanitary facilities to accommodate the co-education arrangement from next September and funding is also being provided to the schools concerned for these works.
