Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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403. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be considered for additional special educational needs accommodation in view of the fact that there is large demand for such places in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54057/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. In June 2020, my Department approved capital funding to re-configure an existing space within the school building to accommodate a two class Special Education Unit (SEN).

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.

The school authorities have been advised that any further SEN accommodation must be based on special education provision sanctioned by the NCSE. Should further classes be sanctioned in the future, it is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the ASA scheme which is available at www.education.ie.