Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If there is a weakness in my Department, we are committed to acting. We are very committed to the two schools mentioned, as well as other schools. I have been to them and I am conscious that there is an issue with space. Any solution will involve all of the stakeholders. If Fingal County Council owns the land, I am sure it will be in a position to advise on the matter. The works will be finished in 2019. The most appropriate time to undertake them is during the summer.

That will happen. The remediation work needed, the design and work completed to date will inform us as to what other work is needed. I am conscious of the disruption and that other schools were also part of the solution. I met a staff member from one of the neighbouring schools where students were decanted. She spoke in positive terms of being in a position to help. I am from a rural part of the country where we are strong advocates of the meitheal and the community. I saw the urban meitheal in full drive in that area and I do not take it for granted.

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