Niall Collins
Ceist:223. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education for an update on a number of requests by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11374/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 March 2024
Ceisteanna (223)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s 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 main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. However, my Department is working towards an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, with particular focus on climate action goals.
Officials from my Department recently received a building conditions report on the Convent building and this is currently under review. Once the review has taken place, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.