Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. I note that the school said that it does not have an immediate need for the space. However, another student is coming in, which means that 35 of the 36 places will be taken, leaving only one available. The school management knows from the other schools in the catchment area that further students will require its services. I welcome the fact that long-term accommodation is being reviewed by the Department. The Department encouraged the school to convert the existing physiotherapy room into a classroom at a time it had lower numbers. The need for this particular room is more pressing now. The Minister referred to the HSE's welcome supports. It is very supportive of the requirement for the daily programme that is required for children with complex needs and says that more space is definitely required. The HSE has supported the school's application to the Department and outlined the requirement in detail.

I also wanted to raise the fact that I have been contacted by parents in Edenderry who said that they are concerned that there will not be any space at a second level school for children with ASD who will finish primary school next June. I am told that there is only one place left in Edenderry and that up to 36 children in the catchment area will require access to special classes at post-primary level. I hope that the Minister will take that into account and bring it back to the Department to examine how this will be dealt with. Naturally, parents are most concerned that their children would be catered for in an environment that is most appropriate for their needs.

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