Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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99. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will take special measures to speed the finishing of the interior of the Convent of Mercy, Naas, given the unnecessary and damaging delay in same, and the costs to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11101/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.

The Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.

A tender report is under review by Department Officials. When this review is complete my Department will be in contact with the School Authority and the Design Team to progress the project and to authorise the issue of the Letter of Intent to the lowest tenderer.

Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date. However once the contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approximately 15 months to complete the project.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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100. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on co-ed developments in relation to the Convent of Mercy, Naas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11102/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to confirm that the decision making authority for any change of status is the patron/trustees of a school, subject to the approval of my Department. To date my Department has not received any application from the patron for a change of status for Mercy Convent National School Naas Co. Kildare.

My Department understands that there has been discussions on this matter locally and that it has been confirmed that there will be no change in status for the school for 2024/25.

When or if an application is received in the Department on this matter from the patron it will be considered and a decision confirmed to the patron as soon as possible.