Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

These are extremely important issues we are debating. All Members have heard from desperate parents and teachers throughout the country who are calling for access to basic services for children with disabilities and autism.

I want to highlight in particular the four-year delay to works for an approved autism unit at St. Brendan's Community School in Birr, County Offaly in my constituency. I have made representations to the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, but I am aware there have been more delays and lack of engagement by the Department. The Department has not engaged fully with the school. In March the principal and the school had a productive meeting with Department officials. For once, they actually felt they were being listened to. However, there are still issues regarding budgetary confinements. The autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit, was originally granted at €2 million, and the glazing project for the school was to be €2.5 million. Due to conservation and architecture requirements, inflation and delay costs, the overall cost of both projects is now around €12 million, which is not the fault of the school. Had the delays not occurred, the school would have had this work carried out long ago, which should have been the case.

Whatever happens with the ASD unit, there are still major health and safety concerns outstanding. There were minor works to be carried out. There is inadequate heating, poor ventilation, unsafe CO2 levels, inadequate existing ASD classes, and a leaking roof and glazing which allow almost all of the heating to leave the building. The current heating and electricity bills are totally unsustainable and the school's electricity costs for three months is almost €40,000. The school, which was awarded DEIS status last year, has seen its disadvantage continue in that school community and cannot even operate properly without a functioning heating system. The Minister will agree this is not acceptable and that it is totally outside the control of the school. I ask that the Minister would bring the case of St. Brendan's Community School in Birr to a speedy conclusion and I would be grateful for any help the Minister can give.

See this speech in context