Page 67 in the programme for Government makes reference to the Government's commitment to investing in school buildings and certainly that is welcome. However, there are serious issues in my own constituency of County Offaly. We have a fantastic school, St. Brendan's Community School, in Birr which was approved for works back in 2018. Those works entailed an ASD classroom, an extension and other minor works to the school building. Since 2018, there has been absolutely no progress. To the school's frustration, it has received information that it will have to wait until the national development plan is published before any further progress can be made. As a former teacher, the Minister will understand that this is extremely disappointing because there is a significant demand for ASD classes. There are pupils who need to come into St. Brendan's Community School in Birr. I ask the Minister to urgently intervene with Government to sort out this matter and to allow progress to be made.

Sentiment score: 0.18