Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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272. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the delayed commencement of a critical special education project (details supplied) can be examined; if she will expedite its progression; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36065/24]

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

The school were approved funding in 2013 to relocate from their accommodation to a vacant school premises locally. In the intervening period, enrolments increased and a new application was submitted by the school. In April 2022 a proposed brief for agreement was issued and agreed by the school. This approval will provide an additional four special education classrooms along with the associated ancillary accommodation. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority.

In October 2023 the school submitted a request to expand the scope of their project. This request was refused and an appeal was subsequently submitted by the school.

The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs.

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.

The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.

I can confirm to the deputy that the appeal from the school in question is currently being considered by my officials. Once a decision is made on the school's appeal the school authority will be notified of the decision directly.