Classroom space issues at Golden National School raised in the Seanad

Senator Garret Ahearn raised the issue of classrooms at Golden National School in the Seanad this morning.

The senator asked that the school be prioritised for an upgrade as no work has been done there since the 1980s.

He said four classes, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, had been moved to the local community hall due to lack of space.

"I'd guess if you travelled across the country to see all the local primary schools in small villages, you would be hard-pressed to find one as in need of an upgrade as Golden National School, said Senator Ahearn.

Senator Ahearn said the school had previously applied for extra accommodation but was refused on technicalities.

He said the school has suffered from issues with electricity, health and safety, fire requirements and space.

Golden National School, he said, has just under 100 pupils and four teachers but expects that to increase in the coming years.

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Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Collins, responded by saying that an application from the school had been received for extra accommodation, including two special classrooms.

More information was sought, and the department is awaiting a response.

He also said the National Council for Special Education was assessing priorities in the area.

Senator Ahearn thanked Mr Collins for his response.

He said a change in personnel had held up the school's response, but the department would have the information they needed shortly.

He also reiterated that half the classes are not on the premises and so it is clear the school needs extra accommodation.

"The main point to be made, and certainly by the principal, is look half the school are not even on the grounds of the school. I don't know how long you would have to review the case to realise that if third, fourth, fifth and sixth class are not even on the grounds, then it needs further accommodation," said Senator Ahearn.

The Minister of State responded by saying:

"The department of education is committed to ensuring that children can access an education suitable to their needs. Planning is actively underway to ensure that children without a placement for next year are provided with a suitable placement.

"The NCSE is leading the way in work in this regard." said Mr Collins

He said the department was investing heavily in special education, and demand was unprecedented.

He said Golden National schools capital funding application would be assessed when the NCSE has confirmed the area's special education needs.