Michael Creed
Ceist:539. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the plans envisaged for the provision of ASD classes at a school (details supplied). [50387/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 October 2021
Ceisteanna (539)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department generally include a Special Education Needs (SEN) Base in all new schools, in appropriate replacement school buildings and major extensions.
The 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. 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 takes 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.
Major buildings projects that include accommodation for special classes are being planned for two post primary schools (other than the school in question) in the town to which the Deputy refers.
One of these schools opened in interim accommodation in September 2021. It is my Department's intention to make provision for two special classes in the school's interim accommodation for September 2022. This is subject to planning permission being granted by the local authority.
The process to secure a site to construct a new 1,000 pupil school, to include a 4-classroom special education needs (SEN) base for the school has been initiated.
In relation to a second post primary school in the town, a major building project to provide permanent accommodation for 1,300 pupils is currently at stage 1 of the architectural planning process. The project, when completed, will include accommodation for a 2-classroom SEN base.
In general, when the NCSE sanctions a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate the class under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme if the accommodation is not already being delivered as part of a building project.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school to which the question refers.