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

I want to bring forward this issue today about Charleville National School. It really is an emergency situation. Accommodation has been approved for two modular units, which will consist of a special education room, a classroom and a special tuition room. I say it is an emergency situation because the school will not be able to open in September if the modular accommodation is not in place. The school will have 12 pupils with autism attending in September. There is absolutely no room for these children - no sensory area, no soft play area. It is of huge concern. There is also one mainstream class within the school that actually has no classroom. The school authorities are trying to improvise every way they can and I commend them on that. It is an excellent school, but it really needs assistance at this stage. The rooms that are to be used are for the mainstream classroom, a special education room and a special tuition room. That is what the modular units will be used for. It really is an urgent situation.

The project viability report was submitted by the school authorities. They have worked very hard on this project with officials from the Department of Education. I just want to again emphasise that the reason for raising this matter is there are health and safety issues. There will be more health and safety issues in September, which will lead to a situation where they will not be able to open, should there be any further delays with the modular units. I implore the Minister of State to do all he can. I am grateful that he is taking this matter tonight. Everything possible should be done to make sure that urgent assistance is given in speeding up the delivery of these modular units, and to have them on-site for September, which is not too long away at this point. I ask the Minister of State for an update and indeed to give assistance to the school in respect of this project.

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