1293. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the provision that has been made to fund approved new ASD classrooms in schools (details supplied). [62387/26]

The schools to which the Deputy refers have been sanctioned to open a special class for 2026/2027 by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Both schools received the €30,000 Start Up Grant and were advised additional funding was available if required.

Each school submitted an application for additional funding under the SEN Repurposing Small Scale Works Scheme (maximum available funding per classroom of €80,000 inclusive of fees and VAT). The applications were reviewed by the Department’s Professional & Technical Unit and based on the information provided the applications were approved in May and June respectively.

The position in relation to the first school named by the Deputy is following a review by the Department's Professional and Technical Unit, the application was approved in May 2026 and 80% of the approved funding issued to the school on the same date.

Responsibility for delivery of the project rests with the school authority.

In July 2026, the school submitted a Tender Report which included works and associated costs significantly in excess of the approved scope of the project. The Department's assessment found that a number of the proposed works exceeded what is required and were not aligned with the scope approved under the scheme. As all expenditure must represent an appropriate and proportionate use of public funds, the Department has written to the school authority outlining the issues identified. The Joint Managerial Board who are supporting the Department in the delivery of projects under the SEN repurposing scheme are also engaging with the school to provide practical assistance towards the delivery of this project.

The position in relation to the second school named by the Deputy is following a review by the Department's Professional and Technical Unit, the application was approved in June 2026 and 80% of the approved funding issued to the school on the same date.

In July 2026, the school submitted a Tender Report which included works and associated costs significantly in excess of the approved scope of the project. The Department's assessment found that a number of the proposed works exceeded what is required and were not aligned with the scope approved under the scheme. As all expenditure must represent an appropriate and proportionate use of public funds, the Department has written to the school authority outlining the issues identified. It should be noted that this is a newly built school so the level of works required to an existing classroom to facilitate the opening of an additional special class should not be significant.

Officials in my Department will continue to engage with and support the school authorities in progressing the delivery of these projects.