Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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470. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline of works and proposed opening of a new autism spectrum disorder, ASD, school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1034/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am very pleased to have secured agreement to open a new special school at Scoil Colm. This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in the area.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has identified that appropriate provision is currently required for approximately 40 special school places for students with autism and general learning disabilities in South Dublin.

This provision is required to be made available at the earliest possible date but no later than the beginning of the 2021/22 school-year.  

While the initial provision of 40 placements is intended to provide for those students identified by the NCSE, it is also intended that any remaining placements will be made available to children in South Dublin with complex needs that require special school placement.

The NCSE will determine the staffing level for the school in line with normal procedures.

My Department will also consider whatever other supports are necessary to ensure the school is in a position to cater for the needs of these students upon enrolment.