Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be very clear; my Department has engaged with the school and has communicated the information I imparted to the Deputy to the principal of the school in question. We would be more than pleased to engage with the principal on an ongoing basis to satisfy the needs presented. However, let me be very clear that there is no ambiguity. I visit schools all of the time and this has never been raised with me before. Schools are very clear on the distinction between calming spaces, which are located within classroom settings, and sensory rooms. Sensory rooms are open to the entire school and therefore must be independent and distinct. Calming spaces are within the students' classroom. I am at a loss to understand where the difficulty arose here. Be that as it may, difficulties and misunderstandings can arise. The Department has proactively reached out to the school. We are very happy to work with it in whatever respect is required.

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