Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. I will ask her to do one further thing. When she returns to the Department after the debate, will she specifically ask her private secretary to give her an updated progress report on this matter in two weeks' time? Time is of the essence. We have ten months before enrolment commences next September. That is worrying for the vast cohort of students, but it is particularly worrying for those students in ASD units who have no other place to go in Ballincollig. They have been educated in these ASD units in their local community. It is cruel beyond belief that we would be unable to solve their particular problem within this bigger problem. If there is any specific commitment that I would like the Minister to give, it is that the ASD unit at least will be open in September 2022.

The Minister referred to the issue of the permanent site. I accept that a permanent site is the ultimate ambition for all of us. However, I find it difficult to believe that something that has eluded us to this date can be concluded and a temporary structure put on it by next September. I ask the Minister, in convening all stakeholders, that she consider advertising locally for a temporary site. It is clear that the GAA site is dead in the water now. The school has advanced the idea that, on its existing site, which is courtesy of the city council, there may be some scope to resolve the September 2022 situation, if not beyond that, including for the ASD unit. That idea should be explored as a matter of urgency. However, it is likely that there will be a requirement for a new site on a temporary basis and every effort must be made to find that while continuing the efforts to find a permanent solution, which has eluded us to date notwithstanding the best efforts of everybody. I understand the commercial sensitivities involved, but I would like the Minister to ask for progress reports on this issue within two weeks. Time is of the essence.

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