Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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595. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the length of time pupils will be in the temporary accommodation in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22200/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the matters which have impacted the handover of building in advance of the coming school year, my Department is taking appropriate steps to ensure that it is completely satisfied that the building is fit for handover prior to accepting it. There is currently an engagement underway between my Department and the Contractor in this regard under the contract. While this process is underway my Department will not be making any further comment.

The immediate focus in recent weeks has been to put in place appropriate contingency arrangements for the start of the 2020 school year for both schools. These arrangements are now in place.

The school referred to by the Deputy opened its doors to 64 first year students on Friday August 28th 2020. In the context of the current accommodation arrangements the school has had to make some modifications to its subject offering for this term. While it was not feasible to make full provision for specialist subjects at the school's current location, Department officials will continue to work closely with KWETB to ensure the needs of the school community continue to be met.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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596. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) will be ready for students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22201/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the matters which have impacted the handover of the building referred to by the Deputy, my Department is taking appropriate steps to ensure that it is completely satisfied that the building is fit for handover prior to accepting it. There is currently an engagement underway between my Department and the Contractor in this regard under the contract. While this process is underway my Department will not be making any further comment.

The immediate focus in recent weeks has been to put in place appropriate contingency arrangements for the start of the 2020 school year for both schools. These arrangements are now in place.