Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I again acknowledge her personal engagement on an ongoing basis in regard to these two schools. I commit that we will expedite them as quickly as we possibly can. As the Senator will appreciate, there is a considerable body of work when a number of different sites have to be technically assessed, but we will do all we can to expedite this as quickly as possible.

In regard to the emergency works at Cuan na Gaillimhe, again, we will take a look at that and see what the situation is. With regard to school transport, the Senator makes the point on the requirement to have ten pupils. Given the current situation, we will also take a look at that.

I am very conscious of the role of staff in the school community and the imposition that is placed on them when they are in temporary accommodation. I do not for one minute underestimate the difficulty, particularly given that the challenges are all the more heightened and enhanced in the current climate. I acknowledge the very high standard of work and the generosity that comes from school communities that are in situations such as has been highlighted by the Senator for these two schools. I give the Senator the assurance that we will expedite and move forward as quickly as we possibly can.