It makes absolutely no sense at all to accommodate a much-needed special school in Belmayne in prefabs, next door to brand-new classrooms that are not yet in use and that were specifically designed for students with additional needs. Why should children with additional needs be accommodated in prefabs in substandard conditions when a much better option is available? There is a site available in the local area for a permanent special school. It is important that this building is prioritised and that, in the meantime, the school is accommodated temporarily in the new classrooms in Belmayne Educate Together. Will the Minister of State give a commitment that he will not proceed with the use of prefabs and will instead use the brand-new classrooms available?

Sentiment score: 0.30

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. He indicated that existing accommodation must be utilised. That is exactly what we proposed – to use the brand-new classrooms. He said that using the existing classrooms designed for students with additional needs would require repurposing and that there are technical issues involved. That would be nothing compared with the work that will have to be done on the prefabs. I have been in those prefabs. A huge amount of expenditure and repurposing would be required, and even then they would still not up to the standard of the permanent classrooms. I again ask the Minister of State to reconsider the position. It does not make sense to put children in prefabs when there is better accommodation available.

Sentiment score: 0.12