Newbridge secondary school places
Fiona O'Loughlin says sixth-class pupils in Newbridge will not have secondary school places next September. The Taoiseach undertakes to inform the Minister for Education and have a written response sent to her.
The programme for Government refers to the Department of Education and Skills providing "world-class education", something with which I could not agree more. I draw the Taoiseach's attention to the situation in Newbridge where young boys and girls in sixth class will have no secondary school place next September. There is a waiting list in every one of our three secondary schools. In 2015, the Newbridge area was put on a Department list of areas in need of a new school. Last May, the then Minister for Education and Skills said that a decision and an announcement were imminent. This was then postponed until October and again until November. On 29 November, when I raised this issue as a Topical Issue matter, I was basically told to check the Department's website. I have also raised it in parliamentary questions. The parents, children and community of Newbridge are suffering. When will an announcement be made and when will work start on a new secondary school for the area?