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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Cahir school amalgamation

Summary

Mattie McGrath raised the long-delayed amalgamation of two Cahir primary schools and the poor state of the buildings. The Taoiseach said there was no specific programme for government commitment on it, but he would alert the Minister for Education and ask for a direct reply.

I call Deputy Mattie McGrath.

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On a point of order, the Taoiseach stated last week that he would send on a response-----

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There are no points of order on this. I am sorry.

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The communities of Cahir in Tipperary-----

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I feel Deputy Gino Kenny may have-----

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I am sorry, but Deputy Mattie McGrath has the floor.

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I thank the Ceann Comhairle. Cahir boys' national school and Our Lady of Mercy Convent girls' school have been waiting nearly 30 years to amalgamate. The amalgamation is supported by everyone, including the boards of management, parents councils and the communities. Thankfully, a site has been obtained from the Sisters of Mercy for a new building. The conditions in the existing school buildings are beyond belief. One third of the population of Cahir is made up of newcomers who have been embraced by and integrated into the community. It is fabulous to see children of so many different nationalities taking part in school activities. I ask the Taoiseach to please impress upon the Minister for Education and Skills the need to progress this contract to tender stage. This badly needed facility needs to be operating in Cahir for the many students, families and teaching staff who are awaiting it. The new amalgamation has been delayed for decades and everyone is weary and wants to see progress.

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am afraid there is not any legislation promised nor any specific programme for Government-----

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It was promised.

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

-----commitment in respect of that issue. It is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills but I will inform him that Deputy Mattie McGrath raised it and ask him to reply directly.

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