Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
446. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the current situation regarding a SEN project at a school in County Cork (details supplied); her Department’s view with regard to an alternative site which has become available for this project in proximity to the school; the revised timelines for completion of the project as originally envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36150/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise that approval under the Additional School Accommodation scheme issued to the school in question for the provision of a Modular special education needs (SEN) class, a mainstream classroom and a SET room.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The Department has a significant modular accommodation programme in place to assist schools in the provision of additional capacity, including in respect of facilitating the establishment of special classes.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
The Department is working closely with the Project Management teams and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure additional capacity for the schools sector is delivered as quickly as possible. While the position continues to evolve, it is envisaged that the bulk of the overall modular accommodation requirements will be dealt with over the course of Term 1 of the new school year.
The Department is working closely with school authorities on contingency planning arrangements and putting any necessary supports in place.
