Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome the fact that his reply acknowledges that the stage 1 report was received in August. He has given a commitment to follow up on this project to get to the next date as soon as possible. It is an important project.

It is an inclusive school. The staff are extraordinarily committed and there are two special classes in the school. We know it has sometimes been difficult to get schools to agree to have a special class. The school has been to the forefront in including students with additional needs. I have spoken to many parents whose students attend the school and have nothing but praise for the principal and staff and their inclusive practices. It is important that the Department ensures the project progresses as soon as possible. More than three and a half years have passed since the project to provide additional accommodation was mooted.That is a long time in the lifetime of a school and it puts a lot of pressure on the staff and students in the school when they are working in those conditions.