Garret Kelleher (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I emphasise the importance of direct engagement with the school on the issue of available funding. Much of the school's current accommodation is outdated and not fit for purpose. For example, the building that currently accommodates fourth, fifth and sixth classes does not have a wheelchair-accessible toilet, which has meant these classrooms cannot accommodate the needs of some pupils in the school. Of the school's junior infants intake for the coming 2025-26 school year, a number of pupils have already been diagnosed with autism. Without a suitable alternative plan, these pupils will be taught in mainstream classes without access to a special class and the additional supports it would provide.

The school community is grateful for the Minister of State's recent commitment to engage with them. I ask him to revert at the earliest possible opportunity to clarify the exact position and to help the school to plot a path forward in its funding request for the ASD classrooms it is looking to provide.