Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I want to articulate my understanding of the dynamism that operates within the school and the provision of excellence in education. I am very impressed that all of the benefits are in place for students in terms of creating a school environment, including the establishment of a student council, to which the Senator referred. I am a great admirer of the operation of school councils in our schools. They are proactive and positive contributors to school communities. I appreciate all that is being done on the ground.The Senator said that when engagements with landowners become protracted, we need to move elsewhere. I confirmed in my answer that a significant number of potential site options were considered as part of the site acquisition analysis. Each of those sites was technically analysed and assessed. The assessment involved considerable technicality and complex work, but the work was done. I acknowledge the role of Wexford County Council. The Senator will appreciate that the work takes time because of the arrangements that have been set for what has to be done.

The original discussions and engagement with the landowner have proven to be protracted, but we have now moved on. That can be reassuring. We have now moved on to engage with another landowner to advance this. I appreciate the urgency with which the Senator views this. I assure her that I view the matter with a similar lens in respect of the urgency and the provision of the accommodation. We will do all that we can to expedite the process as a matter of priority.