Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Wicklow-Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome his acknowledgment of common sense in repurposing existing buildings. From an economic and environmental point of view, it makes sense. I also welcome his comments in relation to Gorey Hill School and the establishment of special classes in Wexford and Wicklow. As he pointed out in his remarks, five more schools will be built in other counties. Will the Department look at the Ballyfad National School building? There are early intervention units in a number of local areas. Those children will need places to go. There is one in Barndarrig and another in St. Michael and St. Peter's Junior School in Arklow. Ballyellis National School has two early intervention units. Just 2 km down the road from this building, Coolgreany national school has two early intervention units. People ask where these children will go. It makes sense that they should just go up the road to a repurposed special school nearby when the building is already there. St. Catherine's Special School in County Wicklow will have seven places for September. However, there are 72 children on the list seeking a place in this school. There are six places across the border in Gorey Hill School. However, the figure could be way over 66 and much more. Demand is there and so is the building. I ask the Government to adopt a common-sense approach. It makes perfect economic and environmental sense for the Department to repurpose these schools as special education centres.

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