Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be provided for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50686/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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On approval of a special class in a school, my Department provides a once-off lump sum grant (€6,500 per class) towards the purchase of educational aids and equipment for special needs pupils enrolled in that class. My Department also provides a once-off lump sum grant aid (€7,000 per school) towards the purchase of educational equipment for schools with approval for a multi-sensory room. Grant aid is also available towards loose furniture and ICT, if applicable, to schools who have been sanctioned a special class.

In respect of the school to which the Deputy refers, my Department has already sanctioned start-up grants, furniture and ICT grants totalling €27,500 to facilitate the establishment of the 2 ASD classes in question – one in 2009 and one in 2014.

Under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2015, the Department approved an all-in-grant for the provision of a 2 classroom ASD Unit at the school in question. As the start-up grants paid previously are once-off payments, unfortunately these grants cannot be paid a second time.