Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the implications that the lack of special educational needs resources are having on a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1; the reason there was a change in policy resulting in excluding the special school under the DES from SEN resource supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53754/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The facility to which the Deputy refers to in her question provides a two-year pre-school programme which caters for 3-5 year old children. The Pre-School project referred to is not a designated Special School, but a stand-alone project in receipt of an individual resourcing mechanism which is separate to the resourcing arrangements which apply to mainstream and Special schools, including supports which are provided to mainstream and Special schools to support pupils with special educational needs.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Pre-School referred to in her question is in receipt of significant supports from my Department. In 2012 my Department has provided support to the value of approximately €740,000 to this School. The provision includes staffing of an Administrative Principal, 6 teachers and 5 child care workers catering for 95 children, a pupil to adult ratio of approximately 8:1. In addition to the teaching and child care provision, the project receives an annual grant from my Department to fund non-teaching pay costs which provides for the employment of a cook, cleaner and a caretaker. My Department also provides funding towards the non-pay or running costs of the project. Finally, I wish to clarify that the funding awarded to the Project is based on budget proposals submitted by the project each year. The funding awarded by my Department for 2012 matches the proposals submitted.