Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I thank the Minister for his response, although it is disappointing. Gaelscoil Chluain Meala was established in September 1994. It has approximately 216 students and 11 teachers and provides education through Irish to the highest standards. However, the building from which it operates is very old, substandard and unfit for purpose. The school does its best to ensure it is maintained properly, but it is unfit for purpose. It has taken 18 years to get to the point where it now has a site and in view of this I urge the Minister to ensure the construction of the new school is expedited, irrespective of other matters. The delay in getting to construction is completely unacceptable.

The Minister said the issue of planning and planning permission is ongoing. What does that mean? Where do we stand with regard to the drawings? I am aware that local architects submitted drawings to the Department in 2010, but the Department indicated it was going to produce drawings in-house.

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