Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This matter is in regard to an extension to Ardscoil Phádraig in Longford, where I have been on the board of management since I was elected in 2009. The school principal is Rosemary Johnston and the deputy principal is Bríd Nevin. The school is under the auspices of Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board and is a co-educational post-primary school located in north Longford. The enrolment figure was 116 in 2003 but this had risen to 253 in 2017-18 and has grown steadily over the years since to the current school-year enrolment of 344 students.

It is a school that has DEIS status, which is a fantastic asset, given all that brings to a school. Personally, it is something I would love to see being available to every school throughout the country.

The first special class in a post-primary school in Longford was opened there in 2009. A purpose-built building was added in 2018 and there are now 18 students in the three special classes in the school. I look forward to welcoming them to Leinster House in early 2024 after we receive our accreditation as an autism-friendly parliament, which is something I am really looking forward to.

The school was granted an extension in February 2021 yet here we are, in October 2023, and we do not seem to be any further on. As I said, I am a member of the board of management. Tonight is the open night in the school for children from fifth and sixth classes throughout Longford and beyond, and students from parts of Cavan and Westmeath will also attend. Indeed, my eldest son will be there tonight to help him to make the decision about where he would like to go to secondary school.

Ardscoil Phádraig is a school that provides a rich and diverse curriculum. It caters for the needs of each individual student with a vast range of educational experience that will stimulate and challenge these students, and I can stand over that statement as a member of the board of management. The school is committed to the development and care of students. A strong emphasis is placed on the holistic, personal and social development of students, which is catered for through an extensive range of extracurricular activities, including art, culture and sports, with all students actively encouraged to participate. Only in the last 12 months, a group of students from the school won a certificate in the Aberdeen Angus competition and represented Ireland abroad. There are also equestrian activities. The needs of any student are looked after and they are allowed to participate, whatever interest they may have. I can say honestly, as a member of the board of management, that it is a fantastic educational institution.

For it to progress, however, facilities are badly needed. I ask the Minister of State to give an update on when we will see progress on the ground and see these facilities, which have been sanctioned, being developed in the school.