Patrick O'Donovan
Question:309. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education when a letter will issue to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34333/23]
View answerTuesday, 11 July 2023
Questions (309)
Written answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was recently granted initial approval for the provision of one mainstream classroom under my Department's Additional School Accommodation scheme. Urgently required school accommodation is being supported where possible by my Department's Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The Department will be in touch with the school authority shortly regarding the most appropriate method of progressing this project.
This Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
However, the wider context in relation to the overall modular market at present is challenging with modular accommodation suppliers being very busy across commercial, housing and other sectors. The Department is working closely with the Project Management teams and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure additional capacity for the schools sector is delivered as quickly as possible.
The Department is working closely with school authorities which require contingency planning arrangements and putting any necessary supports in place.