John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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630. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether a school (details supplied) has developed an ASD unit within the new school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16381/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is engaging intensely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places for the next school academic year 2023/2024.

The demand for the provision of special class places in the school planning area where the school referred to by the Deputy is located will be considered as part of this process.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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631. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether a school (details supplied) has developed an ASD unit within the new school building [16382/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is engaging intensely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places for the next school academic year 2023/2024.

The demand for the provision of special class places in the school planning area where the school referred to by the Deputy is located will be considered as part of this process.

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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632. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the impact of her Department’s decision to stall a much-needed second prefab block installation at Riverview ETNS; if she will acknowledge that children with additional needs are being particularly impacted as a result of building delays with the ability to provide small group teaching and other necessary interventions being severely curtailed (details supplied); if she will reconsider the stalling of the second prefab block installation and take steps to deliver what was sanctioned as a matter of priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16383/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question. 

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. Key priorities for the Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special educational needs provision. 

The school in question is being considered as part of this assessment and a decision will issue to the school authorities as soon as possible in this regard. My officials have been in touch with the school in relation to this matter.