Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the previous speaker. Even though we are delighted with the changes, there needs to be a lot more done. I firmly agree with that.

I would like to raise an international issue that has very disturbing local consequences. The UK construction and service company, Carillion, which is involved in six projects in Ireland, collapsed this month. The six Irish projects include five schools, one of which is the Carlow Institute of Further Education. Carillion employed 43,000 people globally and was, until its troubles, a 200 year-old company.

The issue I have is in my own home county of Carlow. Carillion is a 50% shareholder in the company constructing Tyndall College and Carlow Institute of Further Education. Although the Department of Education and Skills assures me that 90% of the project is complete, what about the last 10%? What is left to be completed? Is it the doors, floors, or walls? What is not finished? Every time I drive by, I see that there is a lot of work still to be done. The last time I checked, 90% was not the same as 100%.

This is very worrying for parents, teachers, managers, students and for the future. We have no timescale. Carlow needs this project to be finished and I would like the Minister to tell us when and how that will occur. If the company contracted for the project has been forced into compulsory liquidation, will the Department roll up its sleeves and finish the last 10%? This is crucial. We have a fabulous college that needs to be finished. I am aware that the Minister for Education and Skills was in Carlow last week. However, as of yet we have got no commitment. I am asking for a full commitment that the last 10% will be finished and that the college will be completed.