Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte mhór go dtí an Teach roimh an Aire Stáit. Gabhaim buíochas léi as an obair an-mhaith atá á déanamh aici. The Minister of State is welcome to the House to discuss the urgent need for additional accommodation at St. Aidan's Comprehensive School in Cootehill, County Cavan. The school has been a huge success and has grown exponentially. It now suffers from a serious lack of space which is affecting its ability to operate safely and effectively on behalf of its staff and students. There are 654 students on the books, a figure which is due to increase in the new academic year beginning in September 2026. I understand the school has 90 leaving certificate students departing this year, but so far, with enrolment not having closed, 135 students are seeking to enter the school for the academic year beginning September 2026. Unfortunately, due to a lack of space, unless things improve between now and then, 37 of those students will have the doors of the school closed to them. That is an awful pity because they are all local students from local feeder schools.

I would like to commend the principal, Angela Flanagan, and the entire teaching staff and school team on the superb learning environment they have created in the school, which is manifesting itself in the results the students are getting and their academic achievements but also the numbers who hope to attend the school. The numbers speak for themselves. There will be over 700 students there next year. Unfortunately, the lack of accommodation is affecting the school's ability to provide educational attainment to the children who attend in a safe manner. The issue of accommodation needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. I look forward to the response of the Minister of State so that the school can look forward to sending out letters of offer to all students who wish to attend. I understand the enrolment process will conclude on 17 October and the school hopes to send out letters of offer on 31 October. The clock is ticking. I acknowledge the latitude of the Acting Chair in this regard.