Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Given that the Minister of State knew this question was going to be put to him, I cannot believe he has not come in here to tell me that both of these schools will have the accommodation they need in place for September this year. No dates and no firm commitments have been given. What is plan B? What happens if that accommodation is not provided? Schools are talking about putting in remote learning solutions and dropping back to four-day weeks. Is that what the Department expects schools to do to cater for the number of children enrolled? It is completely unacceptable.

The Minister of State said that the KWETB project in Blessington is on track for delivery in the next academic year. Does that mean it is not on track for September? Does it mean that the Department has now stated it will not be in place in September?

The Minister of State said of the Temple Carrig School project that the overall responsibility is with the school. Is it up to Temple Carrig School to go to Donabate and move that temporary accommodation to County Wicklow? Is that now the role of schools? Are they movers for the Department of Education?

This response is unacceptable. It indicates to me that the level of bureaucracy means an enormous amount of time and energy is being spent going through all these processes and steps. All the schools are looking for is the simple provision of four classrooms each. That is all they are looking for. Surely the Department should be in a position to say it will ensure the accommodation, which it has asked the schools to provide for students, will be in place when the students start at the school. Surely that is all that is needed.

Will the Minister of State please give me a commitment that both of these schools will have the temporary accommodation they need in place for September? If he cannot give that commitment, will he please outline what he expects schools to do, what is plan B and how will schools accommodate the students who are enrolled for September?

See this speech in context