Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, for coming to the House this morning. I want to discuss the wonderful St. Peter's National School in Phibsboro, Dublin 7. I am not sure if the Minister of State is familiar with it. It is one of Dublin's oldest schools. It is located on St. Peter's Road and Cabra Road - right in the heart of Phibsboro. It was founded in about 1890 and is school to almost 500 boys and girls. It is a fabulous school with great young people and teachers. It is a really strong and healthy school community where education in all senses is championed. It is a happy environment and a school that teaches not just excellence in academics but excellence in personal development.

It underwent a very significant renovation a number of years ago that was completed in 2008 - almost 15 years ago. This breathed new life into the school. Unfortunately, a number of snags were not dealt with at the time and subsequent to that, some pyrite was identified in the building. Those issues are obviously quite significant. What is most lamentable is the fact that the Department of Education's building section has not dealt with either of them.

The school has continued to thrive. It has a great ethos, atmosphere and approach. It applied to the Department and secured approval two years ago for two special classes with the intention of providing an appropriate environment for 12 students. The Department granted approval for those special classes but no work has progressed and we are two years on.

I have previously made representations directly to the Department and previous Ministers. The school needs a clear response from the Department of Education's building section on the Department's plan to resolve the snags and the pyrite and, most importantly, to move on and develop the two special classes. The school has a very strong community between the pupils, the teachers and the parents and this community is willing to work with the Department. I hope the Minister of State can advise the House on the Department's plan to deal with the snags, the pyrite and the delivery of the two special classes.