Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Foley's, commitment and the fact that the Department is going to work with the school. Hopefully, I will not be back in the House in September to raise issues that remain outstanding.

At the weekend, there was an announcement by Bishop Tom Deenihan of changes that will be made in many parishes in County Meath. Duleek will be losing Fr. John Conlon to St. Mary's in Drogheda. He has been instrumental in improving primary educational campuses in Duleek, Bellewstown, Cushinstown and Mount Hanover. Fr. Conlon has worked tirelessly on this issue of remedial works. The people of our parish will miss him greatly. Our loss is Drogheda's gain, and I wish him every blessing as he continues to do God's work there. Our parish was certainly blessed to have him for the past 16 years. I also wish to mention Fr. Brendan Ferris who is moving from Curraha, Ardcath and Clonalvy to Stamullen, and Fr. Declan Kelly in Stamullen who is heading to Kilcloon. I also wish Fr. Jim Lynch of Kentstown good health in his retirement from the priesthood and welcome back Fr. Brennan to Beauparc.

It is important to acknowledge the administrative and, indeed, moral compass roles that the church plays in schools throughout this country. I wish to put that on the record of the House, and I appreciate it.