Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 646: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase funding for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having particular regard to the extensive educational facilities being provided at the school for children and adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In general, where pupils have specific physical needs for specialised/adapted furniture and equipment in order for them to attend school, an application for funding may be made to the Planning and Building Unit in my Department. This application must be supported by an Occupational Therapist's Report confirming the need for the item(s) in question.

It is open to all schools, including Special Schools such as the one to which the Deputy refers, to submit such applications on an ongoing basis as required. These applications are assessed and approved as appropriate. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted several applications for specialist furniture and equipment recently, the majority of which have been approved for funding. I can assure the Deputy that any further applications which may be submitted by the school will be dealt with without delay.