Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I am very disappointed with the response. In the school in question the building work is not discretionary, it is a matter of health and safety. That is not a good signal to send to children or their parents. I have been approached by the entire community. My colleague in the area, councillor Sean McKiernan, informed me that parents are very angry and find the situation unsustainable. If we do not provide adequate health and safety for children in schools what signal are we sending? We cannot leave it up to them to protect themselves. I appeal to the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, to reconsider. I will not go on at length in deference to the Leas-Chathaoirleach and my colleague, Senator McFadden, who wishes to raise another matter but I reserve the right to continue my campaign. I appeal to the Minister of State to re-examine the matter. I take his point about the management of money but we cannot allow children to be at risk next September.