I am looking for the Taoiseach's support for a new school building at Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara, County Offaly. The existing school building is simply not fit for purpose. It is outdated, overcrowded and lacking in proper facilities. The school community, including teachers, parents and local residents, have been calling for a new building for years. There is a proposed site at Drayton Villa. This site was purchased by Offaly County Council years ago and is to be purchased by the Department of education, but nothing has happened. We need clarity on this. Has this project moved beyond the design stage? When can the people of Clara expect real progress on this urgently needed development? I sent in written PQs and the replies I got were only waffle. We need proper movement on this, and I am looking for the Taoiseach's support on it.

Again, I will work with the Minister to raise the issue the Deputy has raised. Obviously, there is a very extensive school building programme. There was a need for additional capital to be allocated to education. The Minister for public expenditure has agreed with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and that capital has been allocated now. Hopefully that might result in further completions this year, but the school building programme is at a record level in terms of the number of buildings, extensions and so forth. I will do everything I can to support the needs of Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa in terms of its building project.