Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Seanadóir O'Reilly and Senator Wilson for raising this issue. I am very conscious of the story in regard to St. Mary's national school in Virginia because of the enormous expansion in the numbers in the school and the development of the area around Virginia. It is for that reason we indicated last year that we would appoint a design team.

The Senators will know €4.5 billion has been allocated specifically for fast developing areas and for the school building programme generally. It is in that context we are trying to undertake as many refurbishments, extensions, replacements of school buildings, etc.

Bearing in mind the need of St. Mary's national school, I can confirm the process of appointing the design team has commenced. The appointment of the team will enable the school to progress. That process has now started so I do not anticipate much further delay in that regard.

Moving through the system must always be done in the context of whatever money is available. However, I recognise St. Mary's has considerable need and it has been drawn to my attention not only by the two Senators here but particularly by the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith. It is our intention to give the school top quality accommodation as soon as possible.