Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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499. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will examine a case (details supplied) whereby a five-year-old child has received no offer for a school place in a special education school; the action being taken to increase places in special education schools, not just additional classes in mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29048/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.

The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I have forwarded this issue to them for their attention and direct reply.

Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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500. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update for the proposed autism unit for a school (details supplied); if a contractor has been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29057/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school in question was approved funding under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the provision of 1 Classroom SEN Base.

The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. A Stage 3 (tender report) was recently received by my Department which was reviewed from a cost perspective. All projects, including this one, undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, current market costs along with any additional costs form part of this review process.

I am pleased to advise that approval to progress this project to Stage 4 (construction stage) has been issued to the school authority. It is now within the remit of the school authority to progress this project accordingly.