Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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181. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is funding available for special education and accessible playgrounds and equipment within schools. [9120/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department administers a number of grants which together can be used to address the issues raised.

My Departments Emergency Works Scheme provides funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils, applications can be made via the Esinet portal.

Grant aid is also available to schools under my Department’s Loose Furniture & Equipment Scheme to fund the purchase of special items of furniture for special needs pupils. This scheme applies to all children who are diagnosed as having special needs. Items funded include classroom seating, desks and changing/toileting items for both primary and post primary schools.

The Summer Works Scheme would be the appropriate mechanism for Schools to apply for funding for accessible playgrounds and equipment, schools will be notified via their Esinet notice board when this scheme next opens for applications.