Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Page 92 of A Programme for a Partnership Government mentions educational assets in communities, special needs education and the facilities for same. In particular, I want to raise the issue of the Kolbe Centre in Portlaoise. It is for children with intellectual and physical disabilities and it is in chronic need of a new building. At the moment it is housed in a collection of small, cramped, damp prefabricated buildings. There is only one solid classroom and it is a desperate situation. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, will be familiar with it as well. There is only one solid building there. A site has been secured for a new building and it is time to move it on and get this project under way. I welcome the fact the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, is here this morning. I asked the former Minister, Deputy Bruton, to visit the school. I know his role has changed and Ministers are busy but I ask the Minister, Deputy McHugh, to visit the Kolbe Centre to see the desperate situation it is in and the need for a new school to provide education for these children who have severe disabilities. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, would agree on this.

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