569. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education for an update on the prefabricated classroom which has been applied for in March 2023 for a school (details supplied) in Donegal town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34603/24]

I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School 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 at other schools in the area.

In the context of making most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, Department officials are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised.

The provision of required school places including for children with special education needs is a priority for the Department. I can assure the school that Department officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider area for 2024/25 and future years.