John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his flexibility. Under the programme for Government, a commitment was given to improve primary school facilities. Yesterday, announcements were made on the 2020 summer works programme and it was disappointing to see that the overall figure for the programme is lower than it was last year.

I refer specifically to the Holy Family national school in Rathmore, the leaking roof of which I have previously raised as a Topical Issue and in parliamentary questions. It was announced yesterday that the school is to receive a €5,000 grant to replace its fire alarm, which was damaged by leaks from the roof, but will receive no money to replace the roof itself. It was granted €50,000 to carry out some temporary works under last year's emergency works programme, but that funding was subsequently withdrawn because the works proposed were not deemed suitable. I ask the Taoiseach to liaise with the Minister for Education and Skills and look at this specific issue, about which I am not exaggerating. Children are literally moving their desks around when it rains-----

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