Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
134. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education for an update on an application for additional accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6716/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that the department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
The consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for the department. The department's focus is on the most critical needs for the next school year and on how each individual school’s accommodation can be best utilised and at capacity across schools in each area. In the context of making the most effective use of the department's capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, department officials are working to ensure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised. The application for Curraghagalla National School is being considered in this context and a decision will be communicated to the school as soon as possible.
I can assure the Deputy that my officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider area for 2024/25 and future years.
