Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their responses and for their sincerity. The written reply was circulated to them, so I will not waste the time of the Dáil by reading it into the record. The position is obvious. The Department is continuing to liaise with the school authorities to find a solution. I take the point that a permanent site is the solution and that the prefabs should not be seen as a long-term solution; they are for the short term. If we are true to our word about making sure that we have special classes and special schools right across Dublin and the country, then this must be a priority. It is a priority for me and for the Government to identify and obtain suitable sites and build special schools rather than just depending on the use of existing structures.

I noted a number of the points the Deputies made. The Department has a technical team which has come back to us to say there would be 20% less accommodation if the special school was accommodated in the new building rather than the modular buildings. I will reflect on what the Deputies have said and go back to the Department.

The special school in Belmayne is a hugely important building block in the context of providing accommodation for children with additional and profound needs who live in north Dublin. It is important that it be put in place as soon as possible. I will reflect on what the Deputies said and will report back to them at a later date. There may be a collective meeting on the matter when I have a further update. I will certainly come back to them via email or by means of a meeting, if necessary.

I am sincere about what we are trying to do. This matter is hugely important to me and, as Members said, to the parents and children involved. We must work desperately hard to obtain solutions. The Department’s technical team is in contact with the school authorities. The team visited the school last week and will remain in contact with the management of the school. I thank the Deputies again for raising this issue.

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