Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have not yet visited St. Peter's National School but I am familiar with it. As the Senator noted, it is one of the oldest schools in Dublin and has a great ethos in terms of education and inclusivity.

I am aware of the situation regarding pyrite. I will run through some of the issues chronologically. In 2006-07, a major project was carried out at the above school that consisted of the restoration and refurbishment of the original 19th-century building, which is a protected structure; the demolition of the buildings to the rear of the school; and the construction of a three-storey building and two-storey extension consisting of general classrooms, a general purpose hall and ancillary accommodation. The project reached substantial completion in June 2008. A dispute between the school and the contractor later arose and was never resolved as a pyrite issue came to light. In correspondence that issued to the school in June 2014, the school was advised that it would be appropriate to progress the matter of pyrite and remaining snags with its insurers, who would be in a position to provide the board of management with legal assistance regarding both matters.

In July 2017, a structural survey report was requested by the board of management of the school due to issues with cracking and damage to internal surfaces in the new school extension. The report findings identified the presence of pyrite in the extension and recommended the repair of the items listed. In an email to the school in June 2019, full details on the application process for emergency works were supplied to the school to address any issues that arose as a result of pyrite.

In further correspondence that issued in October 2019, the school was again advised to get any urgent repairs relating to pyrite carried out under my Department's emergency works scheme. The school applied for funding under the emergency works scheme to repair damage to floors and their surrounds caused by pyrite. The total amount approved to carry out these works since 2021 is around €282,000. It remains open to the school to submit further applications for funding under my Department’s emergency works scheme to alleviate any health and safety issues caused by pyrite.

In August 2022, the school was approved funding under the Department's additional school accommodation scheme, ASA, for the provision of a two-class SEN base. However, in December of that year, it was established that due to the presence of pyrite in the existing building, the ASA project delivery will be delayed. The school have been advised that the pyrite will have to be removed first then the project can proceed with a pyrite green certificate.My understanding is that Department officials are currently co-ordinating a date to meet the school representatives in an effort to get the issues resolved and they will be in further contact with the school in due course. Obviously, as Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion, the fact that this school is proactive in providing an SEN base for not just one but two special classes is of particular interest to me. Therefore, although the planning and building unit does not really fall under my remit but that of the Minister, Deputy Foley, in terms of capital projects, I have an absolute interest because of the special education element and I do not want to see that delayed. For those reasons, I am grateful to the Senator for tabling this Commencement matter today. I will certainly bring her comments and contributions back to the Department.