I raise the issue of Naas Mercy Convent Primary School. Many schools throughout the country and indeed in County Kildare are looking for new school buildings and new supports. This school is in the bizarre position of having a new building on site, already constructed.

Due to a row with the contractor, developments broke down in 2020 and the building never opened. The children and teachers are in prefabs, looking at a brand new building right beside them but are unable to get access to it or use it. The Department needs to progress this matter. I have been in regular contact with the Minister, Deputy Foley, and I know her Department is working on it, but I would welcome an assurance that the Government will do all in its power to get this building open. An opening in September 2024 is unrealistic, but it should open in September 2025. The building is ready to go.

Is the building complete?

It is complete. To date, €9 million has been spent. Money is now being spent on security and maintenance to manage and protect the building while the children go to school in prefabs across the yard from it.

Hear, hear.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. It clearly deserves to be highlighted and profiled. This is a very unusual position, where a building is complete. The Deputy is saying there is a contractual row with the contractor.

Yes.

Obviously people are probably adverse to making public comments that might increase the leverage of one party or the other, particularly the contractor in this case, but it is clear the situation is absurd and something needs to happen there.