Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. We must give gratitude for the significant investment by the Government in schools building projects throughout the country. As she stated, the project is currently with the design team, which has submitted a stage 1 report. I ask that the report be expedited and dealt with straightaway in the context of continuing in the process. Is there a shortage of qualified staff to assess these projects? Is that why it is taking so long for them to move through the system? I ask that the project be prioritised and highlighted, given the need that exists. I acknowledge there are needs in other schools throughout the country but my priority is to make sure this school progresses. The numbers are there. The school has progressed and expanded, with a high quality of teaching, as there is in all schools in Longford. We must keep up to date, however, and put facilities in place there for children. I ask that this be pushed on further and the need for it to progress be highlighted.