Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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451. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the minimum standard of accommodation laid down for special education teacher and multi-purpose rooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54674/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has in place detailed design guidelines for Primary & Post Primary School Specialist Accommodation for Pupils with Special Educational Needs. These guidelines, are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/7e515-technical-guidance-documents.

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.

When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to reconfigure an existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). ASA application forms are available on my Department’s website www.education.ie. Similarly, where special schools are requested to expand provision or wish to refurbish existing facilities, they may also apply to my Department for capital funding to carry out these works.