Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for being here and for his response. I accept there was an ongoing issue with some of the documentation. My understanding, however, is that all this has now been rectified. Issues were addressed in respect of fire safety and planning and all the requisite documents were submitted. From talking to the people involved, I believe all these aspects were addressed. I welcome the Minister's reply. Notwithstanding that, however, I ask if the application could be backdated to when it was originally submitted rather than having the clock starting at the end of September. This would help to expedite the situation.

As the Minister said, though, it is important there is engagement with Tusla. I appreciate this. There is a great need for this to happen. I will talk again to the people involved to ensure all the relevant documentation has been submitted and that there is clarity in this regard. The important point here is that I hope Tusla will expedite this matter. I say this because I think it is a bit unfair to the 15 students and their families that we have a situation where there is now a lacuna in the provision of these education services, when the documentation clearly illustrates there are no health and safety issues and no planning permission is required. I again thank the Minister wholeheartedly for his reply.