Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
110. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the application by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit and additional accommodation will be prioritised; if the remaining stages of the application will be approved without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53424/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department's building section will include a school (details supplied) in his Department's major building programme; if not, the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53425/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the rapid projected increase in student numbers for a school (details supplied); his plans to provide additional accommodation for the school to cater for an additional student intake of 185 projected for September 2018; the timeline for the delivery of additional accommodation for the school and plans to meet necessary planning permission requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53426/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has recently submitted an application to my Department for significant additional accommodation. To facilitate the assessment of the application my Department will be in contact shortly with the ETB for clarification both in relation to the projected increase in pupils numbers, from 863 pupils in school year 2017/18 to 919 pupils in school year 2018/19, and the proposed long term pupil enrolment position of the school. When the assessment process has been completed a decision on the application will be conveyed to the school authority.
I can also confirm that approval was given by my Department to the school in question for a two classroom ASD Unit in March 2016. A request was received from the ETB for an increase in the floor area to provide a link corridor to the existing building. This request is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been completed.
