645. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Youth to expedite a decision on an application for a special educational needs refurbishment grant for a school in Limerick (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40307/26]

The school to which the Deputy referred was sanctioned to open one special education class for September 2026 by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The school received a €30,000 Start-Up Grant and was advised on 19 March 2026 that additional funding may be made available if required.

An application for further funding under the SEN Repurposing Small-Scale Works Scheme (with a maximum allocation of €80,000 inclusive of fees and VAT) was subsequently submitted by the school on 16 April 2026. The application was reviewed by the Department’s Professional and Technical Unit, and additional information was requested in relation to the proposed room for repurposing as a SEN classroom. This information has since been received and is currently under review.

Officials at my Department have engaged with the principal throughout the application process and will continue to liaise with the school to ensure this vital project is progressed in a timely manner.