Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress which has been made to ensure that all new school building projects or extensions include special education facilities or incorporate the principle of universal design; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13324/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate accommodation for pupils with special edcuation needs is an absolute priority for Minister Madigan and myself.  This is in two respects: firstly in ensuring that there is sufficient provision for pupils with special education needs and secondly in designing school accommodation that meets the needs of all users - students and staff - and enhances the learning experience.

In order to make accommodation provision to meet the needs of students with special education requirements, my Department has close engagement with the National Council for Special Education which has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.  When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class or to construct additional accommodation.  Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.

The NCSE has additionally provided my Department with projections of future requirements for classes for students with special education requirements.  These are informing my Department's advance planning for special class accommodation.

This advance planning is building on the significant work to date in delivering additional classrooms for students with special education needs.  Such classrooms for pupils with special education needs are included as standard in the accommodation brief for new school buildings and major extension projects, unless local circumstances indicate that they will not be required. Typically, two classrooms for pupils with special education needs are provided in new primary schools and four classrooms are provided in new 1,000 pupil post primary schools, with pro-rata provision for schools of other sizes.  The overall accommodation suite for students with special education needs would also generally include ancillary accommodation such as a Central Activities Space, Multi Activity Room and Quiet Spaces as well as an outdoor Secure Play Area and Sensory Garden. 

In addition to the specific accommodation provision for students with special education needs, the principles of universal design are embedded in all of my Department's technical guidance for school building projects, for the benefit of all school building users.  A suite of such Technical Guidance Documents is published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie. 

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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91. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding that is designated to providing a new building for a school (details supplied). [13312/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The €4.4 billion funding envelope for the schools capital programme under Project Ireland 2040 provides a basis for a strong rollout of projects including in respect of Kolbe Special School.

The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes the application for all statutory consents, including Planning Permission, Disability Access Certification and Fire Safety Certification and also the preparation of tender documentation.

Planning Permission has recently been granted. The Disability Access Certification has also been granted and the application for Fire Safety Certification is with the Local Authority and their response is pending.

The Design Team is currently working on completion of the Tender documents and finalisation of the Stage 2(b) report which will then be submitted to my Department for review and approval.

To expedite the project the prequalification of contractors is being carried out in parallel with the completion and review of Stage 2(b) and the Design Team have been authorised to commence that process just last week.

Upon receipt, review and approval of the Stage 2b submission, completion of the prequalification of contractors, and once the Design Team are satisfied that their tender documents are in order and comply with all Departmental and Building Regulation requirements the project for Kolbe Special School can be progressed to tender and award of contract.

A Tender stage normally takes between 6 to 8 months subject to no issues arising.

My Department is committed to delivering this project as quickly as possible.