Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. In particular, there are dates in his response that are to be welcomed in terms of the tender process for the design team in Q1 of 2024. My experience with other schools has been that following the appointment of the design team, we do not see fixed dates set down by the Department, or there is a reluctance by the Department to set down fixed dates as to when it needs to report back and when planning should commence. I really urge the Minister of State because political priority has to be given to ensure that this school campus is developed as soon as possible. Scoil Áine, for instance, is currently in temporary accommodation. The Department has to pay out money year after year for that temporary accommodation. There is a question about the efficiency of the Department's own resources, but that school also has the uncertainty of not knowing where it is going to be year after year and when the staff and pupils are going to move into their new school building. I ask for dates post the appointment of the design team. This is critical in ensuring that the project is delivered in the timely manner.