Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. At least I have the sense that this proposed new school has moved to stage 2 in respect of site assessment and that following that, it will be moving to architectural planning stage. I certainly welcome that. I again emphasise the significant issues relating to timelines to which we need to try to adhere. We could very well reach a situation where within two years' time, there could be between 250 to 300 children without a place at second level. I am talking about mainstream education. There is a significant shortage in terms of autism spectrum disorder, ASD, places and special education places for young people with intellectual disabilities in the Newbridge area. This is one of the most important things that this Government can deliver. Children must have access to school places. I welcome the update, particularly with regard to the PBS school. I spoke to the principal recently. He was very pleased to have that building progressed but we must look at what is happening in the interim and make sure we put in place places to ensure that young students have the opportunity to start second level education.