Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Tully for bringing forward this Private Members' motion. Enable Ireland Sandymount School provides education for children with very complex needs. Many of the students are wheelchair-bound and need movement breaks. They need these breaks in a specific class, which is out of action because of a serious leak in the roof over one of the rooms. This is having a negative impact on their physical health, mental health and education. The leak also means the library cannot be used by anyone in the school. Repair works need to be done urgently. As usual, children with disabilities have been left at the back of the line. We see phone pouches and bike shelters being prioritised ahead of these children with their priorities. I ask the Minister to undertake to go down to the school in Sandymount and explain why the leak has been putting students out of some classrooms for nearly two years and why they cannot have their stretch breaks to look after their health.

I note the Taoiseach earlier announced extra funding for education across different Departments. Will the Minister give a commitment to ensure Sandymount School will have its roof fixed as a matter of urgency in order that the children will be able to get the breaks they desperately need? Giving that commitment would show them that he cares about children and people with autism.

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