Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy's conviction on this. He has been to the school and met the students and the teachers individually. The most vulnerable people one will meet are people who cannot communicate or speak so I understand the seriousness of this issue. The project is at architectural planning stage and is in the six year bundle for 2016 to 2021. Obviously there are many pressures coming down the track with regard to which schools fit into the ten year capital plan, but the school is in the six year bundle and there is a commitment to it. However, I accept that there is anxiety on the part of parents and teachers to provide the infrastructure and a proper learning environment. Having read about the different elements of the new school it is clear they are looking forward to it.

I will take the Deputy's comments on board and speak to my officials about the current position and the next stage. It is at the design stage at present but given that the Deputy has highlighted the vulnerability of this group I will convey that to my officials.

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