Last week, I appealed to the Tánaiste to intervene on behalf of the 400 children and teachers in St. Patrick's national school in Celbridge. What we know today is that the school is closed. The Department of education knew about the problems in the school as far back as last summer. The Tánaiste has been at pains to tell us this morning that he has capital. The community of Celbridge needs capital. It needs investment and a plan in the short, medium and long terms for those children and parents who are at home. What is the plan for those children and their education going forward?

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue again. I acknowledge that he raised it last week and on many other occasions. His colleagues in Kildare have done so as well. My understanding is that the Department of education made contact with the patron and school authority. I understand arrangements are being considered, possibly while we are here. I understand a meeting is under way now to ensure the school reopens as quickly as is possible. The Department has received a number of emergency works applications from the school. There has been a back-and-forth discussion. Frankly, I do not think it is helpful to read it out. This needs to be sorted. The Department needs to sort it as well. We do not need to be penpals international here. We need people in a room working out these issues so this school can reopen as a matter of priority. I know the Minister, Deputy Naughton, is very engaged on this issue. As the Deputy will know, she visited the school on 14 January this year. I will ask that the Deputy be given an update after that meeting today.