Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I warmly welcome the word "engagement". That is so important for the key stakeholders, especially the principals of the schools. No doubt these issues are being replicated in many schools. I have to say that the initial response from the Minister and her Department has been very positive and engaging. Simply, joined-up thinking is needed in many of these situations and there is a need for common sense. To build a school for 1,000 students without a playground is simply ludicrous. To have a DEIS school in Arklow, St. John's, without a PE room is simply unfair to the children and the teachers. Based on my initial discussions, I really feel positive.

I want to finish on a very positive note. After 26 years in prefabs, the new school project for Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir is progressing to tender. As we move forward, we must ensure no other school must wait this length to have the basic facilities the children and the teachers deserve.

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