Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to take this Commencement matter. I would like to emphasise that my question was particularly related to the academic year 2022-23. While I appreciate that the long-term solution is in relation to this new school, as well as in the additional projects at Cross and Passion College and the Patrician Secondary School and Ard Scoil Rath Iomgháin, I am most concerned about this September.

I hope that the Department, while considering the accommodation needs of the Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge, and St. Conleth’s Community College, will ensure that they happen. At the same time, there is a big concern about this September. I have in my hand a letter that I received on 24 February from the secretary to the Minister for Education, which talks about the fact that the principals met the previous week. It provides clarity on the number of pupils seeking places in the area. The figure was indicated to be over 80. We have a situation where St. Conleth’s Community College and the education and training board have thankfully offered places for 30 children. However, by these figures, it would seem that 50 children will not have a place in September. That is simply not good enough. I would like for the Minister of State to take this message back strongly. I will contact the Minister again.