Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

471. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address concerns that transfer of a school (details supplied) is being delayed due to the inability of the community mental health services in Birr, County Offaly to acquire temporary premises while the transfer is in progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11680/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has been in consultation with the HSE for some time in relation to the potential for a HSE building in Birr to become the permanent home for the school to which the Deputy refers. The Department appreciates the co-operation of the HSE throughout this process.

This type of project is complex both from a technical and logistics perspective and my Department is in the process of firming up on costings and related matters in accordance with the Department’s normal capital appraisal process and the Public Spending Code. This process has been slowed down by the extra workload arising from the focus on reopening schools given the Covid-19 pandemic. While the delay is unfortunate my Department is endeavouring to finalise its considerations as soon as possible and will be in contact with the school and patron to provide an update at the earliest opportunity.

Interim accommodation will continue to be funded by my Department until the school is in its permanent home and I remain committed to providing suitable permanent accommodation for this school.