Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 28 March 2018, when the report of the technical review for schools (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22122/18]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

211. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will appoint an official from his Department to meet with the principal and chairman of the board of management of a school (details supplied) to discuss the outstanding issues regarding the school accommodation development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 211 together.

As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the schools in question is included in my Department's six year Construction Programme.

In the context of progressing the project, a technical site visit was undertaken by my Department. The outcome of this visit is being considered and my Department will be in further contact with the school authorities shortly. 

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Officials from my Department were in contact with the school authority in the immediate aftermath of the unfortunate incident that occurred at the school.  A Departmental Technical Manager also carried out a site visit on that Saturday to provide advice and support.

The local Institute of Technology offered its premises and facilities to the school so that it can continue to provide its services up until the end of the school year and to enable the State examinations to take place.  The school authority accepted this offer.  My Department is very appreciative of this approach by the Institute of Technology.

The School Transport Section also put transport arrangements in place for pupils to underpin this development and these arrangements are operating  successfully.

Members of my Department's Professional & Technical Team visited the school again on 17 May last to assist and advise the school on replacing the lost accommodation with a view to getting the school up and running again for next September.

The school authority is aware that my Department is prepared to provide any other assistance needed over the coming days and months.