Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have one in Limerick and one in Dublin. We have special education units right across the country. There is huge investment going into these, which is extremely welcome. We have two schools for the deaf and one of them is operating on two separate campuses. That is ludicrous. If students are to learn from each other, from junior cycle to senior cycle, they need to be together and give each other confidence.

I would ask Mr. Kelly to look at this if at all possible. The planning and building unit will be in before the committee after the summer recess. I ask Mr. Kelly that the planning and building unit make this matter a priority and cut through the red tape in order to see what we can do. It is very easy for me to say that. I am aware that the unit has a job to do. I was a Minister of State and I understand that people on the outside think that this is all very simple, but there is a job to be done. If at all possible, can we cut through the red tape and make this school a priority?

I spoke with a chap called Shane who is in fourth year. These children deserve the very best. I will not ask Mr. Kelly for a reply - I am aware that he has replied to Deputy Clarke - but I ask that he would work with the school and get this over the line as soon as possible. I understand that tendering, planning and everything else must be gone through but I ask that this is made a priority. On another day, I will come back on some of the other questions. The hour is just too short.

Deputy O'Sullivan is next. The Deputy has less than five minutes. I will give him the full five, however.