Charles Flanagan
Ceist:80. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date on the provision of an ASD unit at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51190/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 22 November 2023
Ceisteanna (80)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school in question regarding provision of an ASD Unit.
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 (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 space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). ASA application forms are available on my Department’s website www.education.ie.