James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

311. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline her Department's plans to approve a refurbishment of an old school (details supplied); if she will outline if the ASD class for the same school will be approved following a supplementary report which was submitted in Q1 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27361/25]

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

The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the National Development Plan will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. Unfortunately the refurbishment of the old school to which the Deputy refers cannot be looked at, at this time. This decision has been communicated verbally to the school.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide. The department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year. The department has been consulting with the NCSE and we are awaiting clarification on demands for SEN within the school planning area. We will continue to keep the school advised at all stages.