Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter, the proposed new special national school for St. Michael's House in south Dublin. The special national school is located in two buildings, one on Grosvenor Road in Rathgar and the second in a couple of prefab units adjacent to Our Lady's national school in Ballinteer. Both buildings provide a much needed service which is deeply appreciated by the parents of the children. All of the parents to whom I have spoken have very positive regard for the opportunities the school provides for their children. However, the buildings are old and their condition has deteriorated. There is a genuine desire to bring both sets of pupils together and provide a more integrated, inclusive school. The site for the proposed new school is the site in Ballinteer where the two prefabs are located. The new school would be adjacent to Our Lady's national school which would give the special national school the advantage of being located alongside a mainstream school. This would provide many opportunities for the pupils of both schools.

The application was initially made to the Department in 2001 but the formal application was received and placed on the priority building list in 2006. Perhaps the Minister of State could give an update on whether the project remains on the priority building list and the estimated timeframe for it to proceed. Obviously, when work starts on the site in Ballinteer, it will be necessary for the schools to be relocated elsewhere during that period.

I thank the Minister of State for the assistance the Department has provided for St. Michael's House so far. It has agreed to provide funding to rent an alternative purpose built premises in Leopardstown, into which the pupils on Grosvenor Road and in Ballinteer will be able to move shortly, with the Department's agreement, and in which the school will be able to commence providing the education service. This will provide an opportunity to start building the new school in Ballinteer as the site will be vacated when the schools move into the new premises in Leopardstown. I would appreciate an update from the Minister of State on the matter.