Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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669. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has conducted a financial assessment to determine if a new build or refurbishment is the best option for relocating a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will provide the findings of this assessment. [6383/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, the school concerned submitted a proposal through its Patron to relocate the school within the Portlaoise area to meet its long term accommodation needs. In that regard, my Department has undertaken a technical site visit to examine the proposed alternative location. In addition, my Department has met with the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) to discuss the future demand for special school places in the Portlaoise area and discussions are ongoing between my Department and the school in question in respect of the school's long term requirements.

In that regard, my Department is currently formulating the Schedule of Accommodation and the Brief for the project, which will take into account the options referred to by the Deputy. When this work is finalised, my Department will be in further contact with the school authority.