Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on an application by a school (details supplied) for repurposing of existing space to accommodate two special classes. [55992/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that my department is in receipt of an application for funding under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.

The purpose of the ASA Scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.

In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease. Therefore, my department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements.

The school in question submitted an application for repurposing of existing space to accommodate two special classes. Further documentation was received recently from the school in support of the significant works involved to facilitate the classes. This information is currently under consideration by the Department and the school will be contacted with a decision as soon as possible.