Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way that a school can make an application for funding for a sensory room; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46671/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that when the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure 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.gov.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.

The overall accommodation suite for students with special education needs would 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.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the funding that is available to schools for the development or enhancement of facilities for special education; if programmes such as the minor works scheme could be expanded for the improvement of special education facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46672/22]

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.

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 re-configure 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.

As the Deputy is aware a Minor Works Grant is payable to all primary schools. This grant provides good flexibility at local school level to make improvements to the physical infrastructure of school buildings, including enhancement of facilities for special needs pupils. The grant payment structure reflects the priority of supporting special needs provision with a grant rate for special needs students in special classes and special schools of 4 times the standard rate for mainstream students.

Other furniture and equipment grants available to schools who are setting up an ASD class include:

- Start up grant €6,500

- ICT grant €6,700

- Furniture grant €2,500

- Multi sensory room grant €7,000. (It can be awarded to a school who already has an ASD class but no multi-sensory room).