Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies. The NCSE has confirmed the need for special classes in the area, and it is working with Department to identify suitable locations. There are 14 special classes in Ballincollig already. I very much welcome and think it is really positive that the schools want to provide these services for children in the area. We are open to more coming into it, and how that is rolled out is what is being considered at the moment between the Department and the NCSE. They will be reporting back to or consulting with the school when that review is completed.

I want to add that my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Foley, announced plans last week for the roll-out of the next phase of investment in the school capital building programme. This additional funding of almost €800 million will support more than 90 building projects in 2024 and 2025, including 138 additional rooms for children with special educational needs.

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