Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

424. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the new special unit for autism in a school (details supplied) will be ready for opening given the building and staffing are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7731/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A major building project to deliver a new 24 classroom purpose-designed special school for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2(a) Developed Design, where the preferred agreed design option is developed and can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals, including planning permission. Until all statutory approvals have been secured, it is not possible to provide an estimated onsite or project completion date.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs. Parents seeking special educational places for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes.

Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENO's directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website. The decision relating to enrolment at the school referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the school authority in question.