The programme for Government states on page 68 that the Government will support the school building unit in the timely delivery of school building projects. Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington has been waiting for a decade and a half. Portarlington is the second-biggest town in County Laois and the school is full to capacity. It has a catchment area taking in Killenard, Lea, Emo, Ballybrittas and Courtwood and, in Offaly, Walshisland and Bracknagh. There is huge pressure on student places and a large part of the school is in prefabricated buildings. There is a new school plan for 1,300 pupils but this has been going on for a decade and a half. I am asking Deputy Chambers, as Minister for public expenditure, to move this on. They have been waiting for approval to go to tender. Will the Government and the Minister for education now move this on? Deputy Chambers, as Minister for public expenditure, has a key role in this because we cannot have schools waiting for up to 20 years to get new buildings in place. It is important for the education of the children. It is important for the staff who work there as well.

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