James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also commend all those involved in the ceremonial commemoration of the Centenary of the First Meeting of Dáil Éireann and the Cathaoirleach's contribution to the proceedings yesterday.

My only comment about the issues raised in respect of the bomb in Derry and the violence and murder in Gdansk is that our democracy is a fragile thing and needs to be constantly nurtured and minded. Sometimes we take it for granted.

I wish to raise an issue in regard to St. Finian's community college in Swords. In March 2010, the board of management expressed concern regarding the school's general condition. There were leaks in the ceilings, a lack of heating and health risks to both students and staff. A design team started work in February 2013 and produced a report in June 2013. The final design was produced in August, with planning permission granted in December 2015. There was not a single objection from any of the local residents. In April 2017, all issues were resolved and the project was expected to go to tender immediately afterwards, with work was expected to begin in the summer of 2017.In September 2018, staff were told the school was at pre-qualification stage for the appointment of contractors. This had been completed by the ETB and sent to the Department but was returned to the ETB without an explanation by the Department. However, the ETB was told to resubmit. Here we are in January 2019. Last week, I visited the school and saw for myself rooms that had no natural light and a home economics room that contained cookers but had only one entrance or exit. That is a fire risk, as far as I am concerned. I also saw a disgraceful dilapidation of the building in terms of ceilings coming down. One can see from the picture I am holding in my hand, although it may be difficult to see it, a roof collapsing with vegetation growing in the room. Yet students in 2019 are supposed to learn and study in these conditions, and staff are supposed to teach in them. It is just not good enough.

Having made a video with Luke Corkery, who is on the student council in the school, I am delighted that 7,000 people saw the video and that some action has resulted. The ETB has been in touch and, in turn, the Department of Education and Skills has emailed the board advising it to have the design team commence plans for the inclusion of a new zero energy building. My only concern is that if that means a whole new design and new planning application, then we will be back to square one, which is simply not good enough. The population of Swords is over 40,000 and 10,452 people under the age of 18 await education or attend educational facilities. These young people need a proper place for their education. They have suffered.

Please do not ask the staff of this DEIS school, the students and their parents who support them to continue to have to exist in these conditions. I call on the Minister to ensure the Department takes action immediately. People have waited since 2010. The school has passed all the tests and has done all that was required but now it seems to be rejoining the queue, which not fair. It is certainly not fair to a DEIS school that has done so well over the years.