Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for confirming that the major building project for St. Anne's is included in the Department's construction programme. As he said, when completed, the school will have 16 general classrooms, specialist rooms including woodwork, art, daily living skills and computer, outdoor spaces, and all ancillary accommodation that is needed. We have much to look forward to.

The Minister of State is saying that the design team anticipates submitting the stage 2B to the Department early in quarter 3. That is in two months' time. Let us say that is going to be submitted in two months' time and then we will know where we can go with the next one. He also says that the school authorities and the design team have submitted a report detailing additional works that are required to the existing building. To me it makes no sense that the Department would invest in more additional works, to include works to the roof, doors and heating system, while we are waiting for a new building. It has to be an absolute priority. We need a better timescale.