Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter at short notice. This is the third or fourth night on which we are the last people in the House. I hope we have not set a precedent for the rest of the year.

My Adjournment matters relates to Scoil Íosagáin, Farranree, County Cork which has over 400 primary school students but does not have a facility for any activity other than its classrooms. The school was granted full planning permission in 2011 for the construction of a general purpose hall at the rear and within its boundary. However, the project has been included in the Department's building programme for over ten years. The school has a large number of young pupils, but it does not have the necessary resources. In the past six months there have been a number of debates in the House on the need for young people to exercise and attend school to study. If one does not have the facilities, however, it is impossible to be active. The school does have outdoor facilities, but they can only be used in good weather. During the winter months recreational activities are confined; therefore, a general purpose hall is urgently needed. I seek clarification on where the project is ranked in the building programme of the Department. When will the facilities be constructed?