Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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475. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has considered the urgent need to secure additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) who have been informed that they must use their school library and GP hall to accommodate classes for the next academic year; if she is aware that this school will have 12 children in their ASD classes from September who need a space to interact; if she will ensure that the additional accommodation is provided immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27066/23]

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 capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

An ASA application from the school to which the Deputy refers is currently being assessed and when this is completed the school authority will be notified of the decision. My Department is very cognisant of the timeframe for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible.

In addition, my Department is liaising with all schools that have accommodation requirements for the coming school year in relation to their contingency planning arrangements and any supports required for same.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the latest position regarding the building of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied); when children can expect to be in place within this school; and if temporary accommodation is in place and secure for the intervening period. [27068/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The acquisition of a site by my Department to construct a new permanent school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is well advanced.

In the meantime, the patron of the school has confirmed to the Department that the school has sufficient accommodation for the 2023/24 school year.