Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will take the questions the Senator has posed back to the Department. It is greatly important. This is a major change in direction for Synge Street CBS. It is all-encompassing because there are the teachers who have been there for many years and done great work. This is a major new departure for them. What we will need will be clear guidance. Obviously, with this starting in September 2026, the Senator is quite right that it will be just the first year of school for those students. We must ensure they understand that this is their school for the next six years, right through until they do their leaving certificate.

I will take back the points raised by the Senator. As regards a meeting, I will endeavour to see if we can get that organised. Communication is very important in this major development for Synge Street CBS. The school is in our national history. I live many miles from the school but we still know about it because it has been spoken about in many roles. It is important that we get this right. Communication with the Department and all the relevant bodies is very important to bring everybody on board. After this Commencement matter debate, I will endeavour to get the information to the Senator and to see if we can get direct engagement from the Department too.