Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Minister, Deputy Hanafin, apologises for not being able to be present for the debate. She is, however, taking a particular interest in this case.

I thank Senator O'Toole for bringing it to the attention of the Seanad. He made a plea for the dignity of the students and highlighted the fact that some if not all of them have considerable or multiple disabilities. From his experience in the area of education and his time with the INTO, he has a particular understanding of educational issues. It is clear he has a particular interest in this case.

I am pleased to advise the Senator that the design process is already under way for a new school building which will house both St. Nicholas's and St. Dymphna's special schools. The brief comprises all necessary accommodation to enable the schools to operate in a modern learning environment. Each school will have distinct areas for its own classrooms and staff. However, specialist accommodation, including a GP room, kitchen-dining areas, occupational-speech therapy-medical rooms and other specialist rooms, such as a woodwork room and living skills room, will be shared between the schools as a total of only 46 pupils attend both. The Senator already indicated that there has been a coming together of the schools in terms of sharing facilities. However, clearly there is a need to cater further for the needs of the students.

This project is for schools catering for children with special needs and accordingly it has been given a band 1.2 rating by the Department of Education and Science in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects in 2005. I am anxious that the design of this project will be progressed as speedily as possible and I understand that the Department's professional and technical staff will shortly be issuing comments to the design team in respect of to the proposed design.

The design of this project was not sufficiently advanced to be included in the recent announcement of the 122 school building projects which will proceed to tender and construction over the next 12 to 16 months. However, the Department's planning and building unit will keep the progress of this project under review and it will be considered in the context of any future announcement of projects proceeding to tender and construction.

I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. Although it does not strictly come within my remit as Minister of State, I will bring it to the attention of the building unit and ask that it be given immediate consideration. I am aware that this project is under review by the Department and the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, has taken a particular interest in it.