Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide a special needs unit at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7667/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I wish to confirm to the Deputy that a decision to sanction a Special Needs Base in a specific school is a matter for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Schools may apply to the NCSE to open a Special Needs Base where a need has been identified in their area. The local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO), in looking to open Special Needs Bases, must take into account the present and future potential need for such bases, taking particular account of the educational needs of the children concerned.

If a requirement for a Special Needs Base is identified by the NCSE for the school referred to by the Deputy, the school may apply for the provision of a Special Education Needs Base under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme @ www.education.ie.