James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing the debate. I also welcome our guests in the Gallery from St. Molaga's who are parents.

I wish to say three things. One line in the presentation stuck out. It reads: "In that regard I understand that the Department is currently preparing a project brief." That information has not seeped through to the school, which has been given a flat nothing and as recently as a few days ago.

I call on the Minister of State and his Minister to get the building section in the Department to immediately engage with St. Molaga's on the timelines, design and consultation for the project, and to proceed as quickly as possible to the appointment of architects.

Finally, I will bring the following issue up with the Minister at a meeting that I anticipate will happen shortly in the context of other schools in Fingal. St. Molaga's requires urgent action to be taken. We are supposed to be living in a republic of equal opportunity. The children at St. Molaga's are not getting the same opportunity as other children in Balbriggan and elsewhere where new schools have been completed. I congratulate the Government on the school completions. St. Molaga's has been left for far too long. The children and their parents deserve better.