Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That does not give us the reassurance that the school community needs. On Tuesday, the Taoiseach stated, "I am happy to confirm and give the reassurance that funding will be provided for those 58 schools to continue construction this year." Can the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, echo those words? Are all of these 58 schools, in the words of the Taoiseach, going "to continue construction this year"?

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí has been in prefabs since 1999. It has been waiting on the school building programme for 12 years. All of the architects' work has been done and a contractor has been appointed. The contractor has sourced its materials. Employees are ready to roll. They have 24 hours before there is a significant delay in terms of the project. This entire school community is in prefabs. It is not acceptable. Can the Minister give any assurances that within the next 24 hours positive news can flow to the board of management to allow the contractor to build the school for the pupils and teachers of that community?

See this speech in context