Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha in Tuam is seeking clarity on the matter of its proposed new school building. As far back as 2012 the school community was assured that a new school building would be delivered, as promised, in 2015. However, I am advised that there is no sign of this happening. Instead, according to the most recent updates from the Department, the project has not yet passed the site acquisition stage.The protracted process and the lack of clarity for the school is deeply frustrating for students, management and teachers. As I speak, a number of children are being taught in substandard temporary accommodation that has been in place for almost 20 years, which is wrong.

The pupils and teachers of Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha need more than simply being put on the long finger; they need a new school building and the Department of Education and Skills has committed to providing it this year. They need to know now with absolute certainty and clarity when work on a new building will commence and how soon the school will be operational so that the children can at last be taught in a fit-for-purpose environment.

I stand with the pupils, teachers, parents and management of Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha in urging the Minister of State in the strongest possible terms to bring clarity to this situation and to progress this long-standing issue for the students and teachers. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.