Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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65. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 29 September 2021, if she will elaborate on the specific plans in place for the establishment of new special classes at each of the schools referred to; the current status with regard to the proposed building projects in each specific school; if ASD classrooms will be available in each school for September 2022 enrolments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48422/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

Major buildings projects that include accommodation for special classes are being planned for two post primary schools in Ballincollig, Le Chéile Secondary School and Coláiste Choilm.

Le Chéile Secondary School opened in interim accommodation in September 2021. It is my Department's intention to make provision for two special classes in the school's interim accommodation for September 2022. This is subject to planning permission being granted by the local authority.

The process to secure a site to construct a new 1,000 pupil school, to include a 4-classroom special education needs (SEN) base for the school has been initiated.

In relation to Coláiste Choilm, a major building project to provide permanent accommodation for 1,300 pupils is currently at stage 1 of the architectural planning process. The project, when completed, will include accommodation for a 2-classroom SEN base.