Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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274. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a schedule of accommodation for an approved extension of a school (details supplied) will be provided; if a timeframe is available for work to commence and finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13970/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school to which he refers is included in my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme.  In the context of progressing the building project, my Department has undertaken a site visit to the school.

The building project will be devolved to Kildare Wicklow Education Training Board (KWETB) for delivery and it is my Department's intention to engage with KWETB shortly in this regard.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason applicants for funding of central activities spaces within new ASD units are being refused (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14000/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that in cases where an ASD unit is approved as an extension to a mainstream school the existing available school accommodation is considered in order to establish the level of additional accommodation to be provided.

It is considered that a centrally located space can be used to promote contact with mainstream students.  This space can be used by teaching staff for group class work, drama and used for play.  Where a General Purpose room is available within the existing school accommodation it is consider that this is appropriate to meet the requirements for integration; a central activities space is not therefore provided.