Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the response from the Minister of State, but it raises the question of why there is a delay. We would have hoped that we would have seen progress for this academic year, and more significant progress. This did not happen. There is now the question of whether this facility will be in place during this academic year or even in time for the start of the next academic year. I note the Minister of State's point regarding the NCSE looking at a streamlined and joined-up planning process. I have also received a response, having engaged with the school. It is saying it is following the Department's procedures and guidelines.

Can efficiencies be gained by looking at these processes? Can these projects be delivered more quickly? Is there more room for improvement in this regard? What is a reasonable timeframe for delivering these projects? On what date are we likely to see this unit opened, all things going to plan? I encourage continued engagement in this regard. I know the Minister of State will do this, but we also need engagement from the Department. I will also engage from my perspective as a local Deputy. It is important that the full range of stakeholders, including the Department, engage in a proactive way. There have been delays and it has taken some time to get documentation together and to respond to requests from the Department. How quickly will this project be delivered? Is there room for efficiencies in the system overall?

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