As the Tánaiste knows, since I was first elected, the expansion of the Scoil Aonghusa special school in Cashel has been a priority of mine. I pay tribute to everybody involved in this centre of educational excellence. The school is under huge pressure as it caters for 150 children with complex special needs. Thankfully, the 15-room modular expansion was approved in February this year. It is my understanding that the tender process is just about complete. As the Tánaiste knows, it is all about delivery now. I am anxious to maintain the momentum to ensure we move to the detailed design and planning phase at the earliest opportunity and soon after to the modular construction phase. In the context of maintaining that momentum, I appeal to the Tánaiste to engage with the Minister for education so we can see the realisation of this project at the earliest opportunity.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue with me and previously with the Minister for education, and not for the first time. I know this is something he has been following and working on intensively since his election to the Dáil to represent Tipperary South. I welcome that it looks like we are at a moment where it is about to move on to the next phase.

What we then need to make sure is that there are no delays and that we progress this with a bit of momentum behind it. I know how important this is. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has worked very hard in terms of increasing the budget for special education, both capital and current. I know this is a school she will keep in close contact with the Deputy on, as will I. I look forward to visiting Cashel with the Deputy in the time ahead and perhaps being able to meet with the school community there.