Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for being here and taking this important question on Scoil Aonghusa. I acknowledge the Minister of State’s work in recent weeks and months on free book schemes for all special schools in the country. It is really important, as the Minister of State knows because she has been in Tipperary with me. It is important for schools in Tipperary, particularly the school I will discuss. I want to give the Minister of State the opportunity to speak on that because it is important for those schools.

Scoil Aonghusa is a fantastic school. The principal, Siobhan Keyes Ryan, the vice principal, Ciara Ryan, the staff do phenomenal work for the kids there. Last year, the school applied for an extension to the building. They used to use a building outside that was not fit for purpose and cannot be used any more for health and safety reasons. They applied for 12 new rooms in their building. They thought that was to be approved but recently have been given to understand just five rooms will be built. They are not really sure what will happen with the other seven.They are not really sure what is going to happen. The school has been in contact with the Department a number of times, but no clarity has been given. The problem with this is that the school has 14 students who are ready to start there next September, but they will not get the places if the school does not have the units in place for them. For obvious reasons, therefore, there are concerns among the principal and the staff element within the school, but there is also real concern for the parents involved.

I ask that we get some clarity for the school on this extension and whether the whole application will be approved. I know there are complications in terms of planning permission. Supposedly, one can do five units without needing planning permission but if one wants the full 12, one needs planning permission. The school is getting mixed messages when it speaks to the Department, however. It has caused confusion for the staff. Then, obviously, the parents want to know. They go to the principal and vice principal to ask what will happen in September but they do not have the answers. I am asking the Minister of State to put a bit of pressure on the Department to meet with the principal and staff and get to a point where they can give clarity to the parents of the pupils who are hopefully going to start there in September. The Minister of State saw this when she visited that school. The amount of work done by Ms Siobhan Keyes Ryan is incredible. The pupils benefit hugely from it. Any assistance the Minister of State could give in her role would be hugely appreciated.