Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I have had a look through his response. He tells me that, back in 2021, a new mainstream en suite classroom and special education teacher room, etc., was completed at Sooey National School. That is absolutely correct. The school got rid of its prefabs. Basically, what the Department is asking of the school is to now go back to having prefabs or modular buildings. The school is not going to accept that. The Minister of State also tells us that modular accommodation has advantages in terms of overall timelines. He is absolutely right. It is faster but the question is whether it provides an adequate service or suite for autistic children. He also talks about demographics falling at primary level. While that may be true generally, I just told him a few minutes ago that the numbers have increased in Sooey National School from 12 to 117 in the past 25 years, so he cannot use that as a reason - I will not use the word "excuse" - not to ensure there is a proper building for autistic children that will serve their educational needs.

The Minister of State did say the Department is reconsidering the requirement for additional accommodation in the context of any wider opportunities to meet the needs for special classes in the area, but I am not really sure what that means. I do hope it means the Department is engaging with the board of management and the principal in Sooey National School, who are ready, willing and able to provide two new ASD classrooms. They have provided the land already if the Department will work with them. Sooey is just 13 km from Sligo town. It is close to Collooney, Ballygawley, Ballysadare, Ballintogher, and Riverstown. There is a real need for these classes and Sooey is the ideal location. The Minister of State has it on a plate so far if he will just work with the board of management.

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