Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [46708/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school premises to which the Deputy refers was retained for educational use after the school closed in 2007 with City of Dublin VEC, as the anchor tenant for the premises. The VEC was charged with ascertaining and regularising the status of any arrangements which were in place with third-parties at the time for the use of some parts of the building. The VEC is providing further education courses for the local community and St. Michael's House Special School will provide education for children with autism.

This special school has opened in temporary accommodation pending completion of extensive refurbishment works and will transfer as soon as these works are completed. The works required to enable this provision are being co-ordinated by the VEC in collaboration with the special school. Part of the building will meet the administration requirements of the National and Regional Offices of the Skillvec Project. Courses offered in the school include Performing Arts, Business, Sports Science, Fashion Design and Special Needs. The Business provision includes a two-year VTOS course in Business, Computers and Languages. One of the classrooms is set aside as a Training Room for delivering Learning at Work and Upskilling Courses, including courses on Building Energy Ratings, Solar Panel Installation, Personal Development, Effectiveness in the Workplace, Communications and IT.