Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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590. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a list of approved funding for capital works that has been made available to a school (details supplied) over the past five years; if she will provide an update on the need for a new school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55136/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is engaging with the school authorities regarding the long term needs of the school in question, including consideration of the demographic requirements for post primary school places in the area.

Information relating to the capital funding provided to the school has been included for the Deputy's information.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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591. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will advise a school (details supplied) in respect of funding for its second ASD unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55165/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

St Kevin’s Girls National School (19466E) opened a second special class for children with a diagnosis of ASD in September 2022.

This class is based in a small room so can only cater for three pupils at present, but the school has submitted an Additional School Accommodation application for an extension so that the class can be increased to full enrolment.

This application has been approved for a 2 Class SEN Base and staff room extension.

The brief has been accepted by the school and its currently with the technical team who are preparing a brief.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.

In 2023, there will be a significant investment in the expansion of the National Council for Special Education, with a total full-year investment of €13 million, in over 160 additional staff. This investment is being undertaken so that the NSCE can respond effectively, compassionately and quickly to the increased need in our education system so that children and their families are fully supported and achieve the best possible education outcomes.

My Department and the NCSE continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.

I am satisfied that this approach is delivering. We have seen 393 new special classes open, bringing the total of special classes to 2,545 opened nationwide for the 2022/23 school-year. The 393 new special classes for 2022/23 is broken down by 260 at primary level and 133 at post primary level.