9. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education the status of the delivery of a complete modular build of 18 classrooms with facilities to meet the accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied). [6191/25]

Sentiment score: -0.21

I ask the Minister for an update on the delivery of a completely new modular build of 18 classrooms with facilities to meet the accommodation crisis at Scoil Aonghusa national school in Cashel, County Tipperary. This centre of excellence has been waiting since 2015 to proceed to design and planning stage. The current situation is having enormous implications for the 150 students with complex special needs who attend this school. As the Minister knows, this has been my number one priority since entering this Chamber. It is also a key priority for my colleague at local level, Councillor Declan Burgess.

Sentiment score: 0.10

I welcome that confirmation. It is a huge boost to everybody involved in the centre of excellence that is Scoil Aonghusa. I acknowledge all the team in the school who do such fantastic work that creates such a positive environment for these young students to reach their maximum ability in. The board met on Tuesday night last and obviously welcomed this approval. As I said, they have been waiting for this since 2015. I think some further clarity is being sought. There are 24 teaching posts in the school. Only six existing classrooms adhere to the departmental specification so there is some back and forth between the board and the Minister's officials. It is approximately 18 classes versus 14. I ask the Minister to follow up with her officials so we can get that additional clarity around the number of classrooms.

Sentiment score: 0.38

I thank the Minister. As I said, I am conscious we are talking about a physical building but of course Scoil Aonghusa and many other special schools around the country are so much more than that. They are the positive environment in which our children, especially children with special needs, can reach the maximum of their ability. I wish to acknowledge in the Chamber the principal and her amazing team of teachers, nurses, ancillary staff, the board, volunteers and everybody associated with Scoil Aonghusa. Will the Minister consider visiting the school at the earliest opportunity? We have another centre of excellence in the area of special needs in Scoil Chormaic in Cashel. I ask the Minister to visit both schools at the earliest opportunity. I welcome this approval. It is a huge boost to everybody involved in the centre of excellence that is Scoil Aonghusa.

Sentiment score: 0.63