Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. My Department clearly accepts that the accommodation in St. Gabriel's special school is not fit for purpose. It has spatial limitations, particularly for children with challenging behaviour. The school caters for 43 pupils and it has a strong complement of teachers and SNAs. The pupil-teacher ratio is 1:1.9 and, therefore, the State provides significant support but there is a recognition that the facilities need to be addressed. I understand the school applied last year for improved accommodation and my officials have visited the school and assessed that need. They have also taken the opportunity to discuss with the NCSE the general need in the area and the school will have the potential to expand the scope of its services to meet the local need.

The adjacent accommodation is owned by the Diocese of Cork and Ross. St. Gabriel's special school currently occupies two classrooms in this adjacent building by agreement with the diocese. My Department will send an official to visit the school authority tomorrow, 9 May, to progress the assessment of the proposed works, finalise the scope of works and work out how they can be moved forward and in what delivery mode they can be done. My Department recognises the seriousness of the case and will work with the school to seek a solution to its needs.