Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I am conscious that she is a Minister of State in the Department, that her responsibility is for another area and that she has had to be provided with the detail of this today. However, a clear message must go out. The answer I have got in this Chamber today shows that the project has taken a step backwards. How is it that last December assurances were given that construction would commence between July and September of this year when, in the response I have got today, we have been told that the final design is awaiting final agreement between all parties, that the process is ongoing and that meetings have yet to take place with regard to the completion of stage 2B? That is a very sorry state of affairs. It is most regrettable that this school, which is just over 200 m from where the Department of Education is located, is not being prioritised by this Government and the Department.