Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, for coming to the House this morning. I want to discuss the wonderful St. Peter's National School in Phibsboro, Dublin 7. I am not sure if the Minister of State is familiar with it. It is one of Dublin's oldest schools. It is located on St. Peter's Road and Cabra Road - right in the heart of Phibsboro. It was founded in about 1890 and is school to almost 500 boys and girls. It is a fabulous school with great young people and teachers. It is a really strong and healthy school community where education in all senses is championed. It is a happy environment and a school that teaches not just excellence in academics but excellence in personal development.

It underwent a very significant renovation a number of years ago that was completed in 2008 - almost 15 years ago. This breathed new life into the school. Unfortunately, a number of snags were not dealt with at the time and subsequent to that, some pyrite was identified in the building. Those issues are obviously quite significant. What is most lamentable is the fact that the Department of Education's building section has not dealt with either of them.

The school has continued to thrive. It has a great ethos, atmosphere and approach. It applied to the Department and secured approval two years ago for two special classes with the intention of providing an appropriate environment for 12 students. The Department granted approval for those special classes but no work has progressed and we are two years on.

I have previously made representations directly to the Department and previous Ministers. The school needs a clear response from the Department of Education's building section on the Department's plan to resolve the snags and the pyrite and, most importantly, to move on and develop the two special classes. The school has a very strong community between the pupils, the teachers and the parents and this community is willing to work with the Department. I hope the Minister of State can advise the House on the Department's plan to deal with the snags, the pyrite and the delivery of the two special classes.

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I have not yet visited St. Peter's National School but I am familiar with it. As the Senator noted, it is one of the oldest schools in Dublin and has a great ethos in terms of education and inclusivity.

I am aware of the situation regarding pyrite. I will run through some of the issues chronologically. In 2006-07, a major project was carried out at the above school that consisted of the restoration and refurbishment of the original 19th-century building, which is a protected structure; the demolition of the buildings to the rear of the school; and the construction of a three-storey building and two-storey extension consisting of general classrooms, a general purpose hall and ancillary accommodation. The project reached substantial completion in June 2008. A dispute between the school and the contractor later arose and was never resolved as a pyrite issue came to light. In correspondence that issued to the school in June 2014, the school was advised that it would be appropriate to progress the matter of pyrite and remaining snags with its insurers, who would be in a position to provide the board of management with legal assistance regarding both matters.

In July 2017, a structural survey report was requested by the board of management of the school due to issues with cracking and damage to internal surfaces in the new school extension. The report findings identified the presence of pyrite in the extension and recommended the repair of the items listed. In an email to the school in June 2019, full details on the application process for emergency works were supplied to the school to address any issues that arose as a result of pyrite.

In further correspondence that issued in October 2019, the school was again advised to get any urgent repairs relating to pyrite carried out under my Department's emergency works scheme. The school applied for funding under the emergency works scheme to repair damage to floors and their surrounds caused by pyrite. The total amount approved to carry out these works since 2021 is around €282,000. It remains open to the school to submit further applications for funding under my Department’s emergency works scheme to alleviate any health and safety issues caused by pyrite.

In August 2022, the school was approved funding under the Department's additional school accommodation scheme, ASA, for the provision of a two-class SEN base. However, in December of that year, it was established that due to the presence of pyrite in the existing building, the ASA project delivery will be delayed. The school have been advised that the pyrite will have to be removed first then the project can proceed with a pyrite green certificate.My understanding is that Department officials are currently co-ordinating a date to meet the school representatives in an effort to get the issues resolved and they will be in further contact with the school in due course. Obviously, as Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion, the fact that this school is proactive in providing an SEN base for not just one but two special classes is of particular interest to me. Therefore, although the planning and building unit does not really fall under my remit but that of the Minister, Deputy Foley, in terms of capital projects, I have an absolute interest because of the special education element and I do not want to see that delayed. For those reasons, I am grateful to the Senator for tabling this Commencement matter today. I will certainly bring her comments and contributions back to the Department.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I commend the Minister of State on the work she is doing to support children, not just in St. Peter's but all around the country, to be educated appropriately in appropriate settings with the right supports. That is very welcome and she is to be commended on that work.

It is welcome that the Department's building section is going to meet the school. I would appreciate if I could be advised when the date becomes available for that meeting. The school officials will be very happy to meet with the Department's building section. It is absolutely critical that the pyrite issues are resolved, the investment that is made in that school is protected and that further investment can actually go ahead. There can be no further delays to the special classes. St. Peter's is honestly one of the best schools in terms of its attitude and fostering of a happy learning environment for every child who walks through that door. I really appreciate the Minister of State's and Government's support for the school and willingness to address these issues. I am hopeful we will not have to return to this issue in the Seanad again.

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I can only imagine how frustrating it has been for the school. This pyrite issue came up through no fault of its own and, indeed, through no fault of the Department I would add. It is just one of those things that happened. It is regrettable that there have been delays, however, not just for the SEN and special education end but for the whole school with its 500 pupils, as the Senator mentioned. I will be doing all I can to make sure this meeting goes ahead, which it will. I am not 100% sure if it is with the planning and building unit, but it certainly will be with Department officials who will be able to communicate with the planning and building unit with regard to making an effort to getting these issues resolved as soon as possible. Certainly, in my own remit and in my capacity, I will be doing everything to keep an eye on this to make sure it is expedited.