David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made by her Department in establishing a special school in the east Cork area; her further plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14155/23]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I have been signalling the need for a special school in east County Cork for quite a while. The Minister of State will be aware of the fabulous Carrigtwohill school campus which is being built at the moment, which will free up the building of Scoil Mhuire Naofa. I ask the Minister to consider establishing a special school in that building, which is already there, will not require any capital investment and with slight modification could provide for this much-needed special school in the area.

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. He has brought this matter up with me on a number of occasions. He is a real advocate for east County Cork in terms of trying to provide a special school. As he knows, there are 14 special schools in County Cork. In fact, there will be 15 when Rochestown opens in the near future. We have opened three new special schools in the last three years, two this year alone. That is not to say there is not a need for a special school in east Cork.

12 o’clock

I know the Department is aware of the matter. I will bring it to the Minister's attention that the Deputy raised it today.