Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question were approved funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, to establish a special class.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation. This scheme does not include provision for playground equipment or covered canopies. The decision has been conveyed directly to the school authorities.

The main focus of the Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on the provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics.

It is still open to the school to apply for future rounds of the Summer Works Scheme, or to utilise their minor works grant for these projects.