Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2023

Vol. 1047 No. 4

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Fire Stations

Deputy Carol Nolan

While I welcome the fact that Clara fire station has now been placed on the Department's construction project list, I have proceeded with this Topical Issue matter to obtain as much clarity as possible in respect of funding for the fire station. All Deputies can give many examples of capital projects and local construction projects throughout the State that have been signed off and approved by various Departments, only for those infrastructure projects to endure long delays before work commences. I think in particular of many school projects where unanticipated rises in construction inflation costs, for instance, have delayed works and caused much frustration in communities.

Will the Minister of State provide an assurance to the community of Clara, who need this new fire station, and to me that the capital funding allocated to Clara fire station will increase if construction costs increase? I accept that project management is complex and, as Ministers always point out, it is inevitable there will be delays to some projects in any given year. I understand, however, that the purpose of facilitating capital carryover is to allow, within reason, funding tied to projects to move smoothly from one year to the next. I am concerned that although funding may have been approved and signed off to much fanfare, it may become bogged down in a reapplication process if costs rise. That is what I want to avoid. I do not want the people of Clara to have to wait any longer than necessary for this new fire station.

Clara badly needs a fire station to be constructed as soon as possible. It needs guarantees that the Department will support the project financially until it is over the line and operational. I hope real progress will be made to replace the old fire station, which has served the community for decades but is no longer fit for purpose, with this new fire station as soon as possible.

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Malcolm Noonan)

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the new fire station at Clara, County Offaly. The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy and progressing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

In December 2020, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage announced a new fire services capital programme for the period 2021 to 2025, with a funding allocation of €61 million. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of infrastructural proposals were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of: the area risk categorisation of the fire station; established health and safety needs; the state of development of the project, that is, whether the preferred site had been acquired; and the value for money offered by the proposal. That programme was envisaged to see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments and the allocation of 35 new fire engines.

To maximise the available capital programme funding, my Department can reassess the status of projects in the programme annually and flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and offer best value for money, taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally. Any proposal received by my Department requesting further support from the fire services capital programme is considered with regard to national priorities and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide. Project consideration stages in my Department include: submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; and cost plan, tender process and construction stages.

Offaly County Council previously indicated the replacement of Clara fire station and the development, extension and upgrade works to the Tullamore BA training centre and the Tullamore central fire station were the priority projects for Offaly fire and rescue service. In September, my Department approved Offaly County Council to accept a tender in excess of €3.8 million for the redevelopment works at the Tullamore fire services training centre and contracts were signed earlier this year. That project is in construction phase.

All projects in the capital programme may be reassessed annually to maximise available capital programme funding. That is the question the Deputy is asking. Priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value for money and to take account of the state of readiness of projects, based on ongoing engagement with local authorities in respect of prioritisation.

The Clara fire station project was not initially included in the Minister’s fire services capital programme 2021-2025, but, as an interim measure, the council took steps to show the readiness of the Clara fire station project and increase the potential for capital funding to be granted should that possibility arise. Given the excellent progression to date of the fire services capital programme, which has seen the completion of six fire stations, with several other priority projects in build phase and others nearing final planning, the decision to accommodate the proposed new Clara fire station project within the fire services capital programme 2021-2025 was taken in October this year.

Deputy Carol Nolan

I thank the Minister of State for his response. As he rightly stated, Offaly County Council had input into the project and getting it brought forward, which was fantastic to see. I welcome that wholeheartedly. The fire crew in Clara will be very happy with the news that the project is now on the programme. The Minister of State referred to the fact that priority is give to value-for-money projects. That makes sense but my concern is that if costs rise when the yearly reassessment is being carried out, are those costs allowed for? I do not want this project to be moved down the list. It needs to happen because the current fire station is no longer fit for purpose. It has been there for decades and is past its time. I am seeking reassurance that this project will remain a top priority and that, should costs rise when the yearly reviews are being done, Clara will remain at the top of the list and not be moved down further.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

I reassure the Deputy that Offaly County council has made significant progress and indicated the current Clara fire station is located on a confined site, with an insufficient footprint preventing the prospect of an upgrade or extension works due to the current fire station site. Departmental officials have linked with the council regarding availability on the council's preferred site location at Raheen in Clara.

Offaly County Council previously published tenders for a lead design consultant to oversee the design, planning and construction of the new fire station at Clara in June 2021, seeking to engage a single firm of design consultants to deliver and manage the project through planning and detailed design, as well as tendering and the supervising of construction. The Department has conveyed approval to progress the project to full design and cost appraisal stage and the council is currently progressing the project through the appointment of design consultants. In light of recent inflation cost increases in the construction sector, the council was advised to ensure the design and specification for the proposed new fire station not exceed the minimum necessary for provision of a fire station and associated facilities at Clara. The council has indicated its capacity and intention to progress this project quickly. That offers reassurance in terms of the progress of the project. That element relating to cost constraints is significant and I am sure it is part of the design brief not to exceed costs. It is within the capacity of the local authority to deliver that within budget. I hope that gives reassurance that the project will proceed as planned.

Sports Facilities

Deputy Chris Andrews

Shelbourne Park greyhound track is in the heart of the inner city, not too far from here, between the Ringsend and South Lotts communities. Both these communities, along with communities right across the island of Ireland, have a deep sense of connection with the Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium. The cohesion and engagement between the stadium and the local community have been eroding in recent years. While Shelbourne Park is best known now for greyhound racing, it is less known that it was probably one of the first multisport facilities in the State. Along with greyhound racing, it has hosted Shels football club as its home ground. It was twice the venue for FAI Cup finals. In the seventies speedway racing was staged there. It was a multisport facility. There was a variety of entertainment at Shelbourne Park for the whole community.

In recent decades, however, this has slipped away. This brilliant stadium, situated in the heart of the city, has failed to reach its potential. Racing only takes place there three nights a week. What is happening in Shelbourne Park can be contrasted with what has happened in the greyhound stadium in Galway. That stadium is now the home of Connacht Rugby. It is a vibrant facility that provides a mix of sporting interests. It is clear that multisport facilities are highly cost-effective, providing a great return on capital investment and a big return for the local community.

Work is soon to begin on the redevelopment of Shelbourne Park. There has not really been an effort to fully utilise this facility's potential. It has huge potential. It could host a number of different sports but that commitment has to be made, supported and resourced by Government. With this development, there is talk of the stand being upgraded to a seven-day conference and meeting facility. I believe this is a missed opportunity. Community benefit should be an integral part of any redevelopment plans. Shelbourne Park has great potential to be a recreational asset to the people of all of Dublin. We must ensure this site is protected and utilised to its full potential for the community. There is growing concern in the local community that it could be lost completely.

As the Minister of State knows, that site has a split ownership. The stand is owned by the greyhound community and the track is owned by a private entity. The track is under a 99-year lease from that private entity. There have been attempts by the owners of the track to have the land rezoned for housing, which clearly shows the mindset of those owning the land. That is a huge concern for the local community. It shows that there is an intent to redevelop that site for housing or offices. With the housing development at the Irish Glass Bottle site, Ringsend, South Lotts and Pearse Street cannot afford to lost this sports facility. It is important we protect it.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

On behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, I thank Deputy Andrews for raising this issue.

Rásaíocht Con Éireann, RCÉ, is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

According to the 2021 Jim Power report, The Economic and Financial Significance of the Irish Greyhound Industry, commissioned by RCÉ, the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment both directly and indirectly across the economy. It is estimated that in 2019, the industry supported over 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy. In addition, there are over 6,000 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the sector is estimated at over 10,000.

On 22 December 2022, RCÉ submitted a business plan for the redevelopment of Shelbourne Park, seeking the approval of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the capital investment. In the proposal document, RCÉ states that Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium is the flagship stadium within the RCÉ portfolio. Located in Dublin city centre, it is the premier stadium and the only greyhound stadium in the Dublin area serving the large Dublin population with significant footfall from outside of Dublin. Major events are hosted at Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium, including the main greyhound competition, the Irish Greyhound Derby, which has been run in Shelbourne Park since 1932.

The stadium is directly competing with other very modern facilities in Dublin, such as Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium, and the offering currently at Shelbourne Park does not meet the expectation of the modern customer. There is no doubt that some essential improvement works in track and basic facilities are required. There is also a necessity to refresh and improve a number of areas of Shelbourne Park both to keep pace with current trends and to deliver the experience that is required. Departmental officials are currently considering the proposal.

An early draft strategic plan for the next five years from 2023 to 2027 was forwarded to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for information in early November. Following the recent appointment of the new CEO on 6 November, this Department anticipates that the draft strategic plan will be progressed to completion in the coming months.

Title to Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium is a combination of unregistered freehold and long leasehold title, held by Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium Limited. The part held under the leasehold title comprises the racing track and a car park and is held under a lease for a term of 99 years, expiring on 24 March 2052, with an option to apply for a sporting lease in 2037 for a further 99 years.

The management of Shelbourne Park and any future use is a matter for RCÉ, in line with its legislative and strategic responsibilities. The zoning of lands and land use in a strategic planning context are matters for the relevant local authority.

I will certainly bring the Deputy's concerns to the Minister. There is a challenge here in that RCÉ is a company in its own right. I am not sure what input could be required or could at this stage be put into the draft strategic plan to help shape that. Calling RCÉ to appear before the committee for further discussions might be a useful suggestion as the next step forward.

Deputy Chris Andrews

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. This greyhound stadium has massive potential. There is massive growth in housing in the area. The community needs every piece of sporting infrastructure it can get. It would be shame if an opportunity was missed. As I said, it has been done in the dog track in Galway with Connacht Rugby. Maybe Sport Ireland could intervene. There must be some avenue by which Shelbourne Park greyhound track can reach its full potential because it is currently only operating three nights a week. Office facilities and hospitality suites are not really what are needed. We need sports facilities. Liffey Wanderers is a very successful local football club. Why not ensure that its team can play in the middle of the greyhound track? As I said, there is a shortage of facilities. Nearly 10,000 new people will be moving into the Irish Glass Bottle site, a stone's throw from that facility.

There is a huge opportunity here and it would be a missed if we allowed Shelbourne Park to be sold, redeveloped or dismantled piece by piece.

As I said, the greyhound track is great for people right across the island of Ireland. This is not a criticism of the sport of greyhound racing, but we need to go beyond just greyhound racing to maximise the potential of Shelbourne Park greyhound track to ensure that a number of sports are played in that facility.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

I agree with the Deputy. It is essential to try to broaden the use of such a facility. It is important to explore the idea of multi-use on a site like that. I am not privy to the workings of the RCÉ, but I suggest it might be worth asking them to come before the agriculture committee to have a further conversation.

Second, I will bring the Deputy's concerns in relation to this back to the Minister for agriculture. The Deputy is correct; sport is changing and the nature of greyhound racing is changing. People's attendance at these events is changing. It is important to future-proof such a facility if public money is going into it so it can be used by the wider community. As the Deputy said, there will be a much bigger population there when the glass bottle site is developed. It is important to look to the future and see what other potential uses could be there and included in the redevelopment.

Farm Costs

Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan

Tonight, I raise an incredibly serious issue that has emerged over recent times. There are several essential farm items for which farmers can no longer reclaim or get a refund on VAT. This is a disaster for farmers across the length and breadth of Ireland. Farmers are trying to invest in their farms and their farms' efficiency and sustainability. They are putting multiples of thousands of euro into their farms to make them more efficient and sustainable. Now, however, they essentially are being penalised for that because they can no longer claim back VAT on items when they were once able to do so, in many cases, at a VAT rate of 23%. This is costing farmers thousands of euro. In particular, many young farmers are so far down the line in this regard. They are getting bulk tanks installed or have their planning permission or have the contractors ready to go and of greater concern, they may have sorted out bridging loans in the full expectation that they would get this VAT refund. In some instances, this is coming to €40,000 or €50,000 or even more. Now, however, it is emerging that they will not get that refund. This has to be rectified immediately because these are for essential farm items, such as milk bulk tanks, automatic calf feeders, automatic scrapers and meal bins. These are essential items. What I mentioned relates to the dairy sector but farmers are being penalised right across the farming sector. This has to be rectified immediately. It is a serious issue that is causing concern and anxiety across the farming sector.

To be fair, in the last couple of months, the farming sector has been dealt blow after blow. If you are in derogation, you are leading to a situation where by January, you will have to get rid of cattle. That is already causing concern. The price of milk is nowhere near what it was more than 12 months ago. That is causing concern. There is a situation where, because of some issues with factories, fallen animals are being left on farms and are not being taken away. That is causing a serious issue. There is now also the issue where farmers are not able to claim VAT.

In Ireland, farmers in general do not register for VAT. That is the way it has always been. In other countries in Europe they do, but they do not do it here. I do not see why the Revenue Commissioners are hell-bent on penalising these farmers. I am pleading with the Minister for Finance to rectify this, to look at it, to talk to the Revenue Commissioners and to ensure these farmers can get a tax refund like they used to.

This is making a joke of the new TAMS ceiling. We celebrated that the new TAMS ceiling goes to €80,000. This completely erodes any benefit of that for most of these farmers. I am asking that this is looked at, reviewed and rectified immediately.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising this important issue, which relates to the VAT refund order available to unregistered farmers who use the farmer’s VAT flat rate scheme.

The first point I wish to make is that the VAT treatment of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In accordance with the EU VAT directive, farmers can elect whether to register for VAT in respect of their farming business. The Deputy mentioned farmers in other European countries as well. It should be noted that a farmer may elect to register for VAT, charge VAT on his or her outputs, many of which are liable to the zero VAT rate and claim VAT on costs that are used for the purposes of their taxable supplies.

A VAT-registered farmer would be entitled to reclaim VAT incurred on a range of items, including new farm buildings and structures, as well as farm equipment such as feed bins, milk tanks, automatic calf feeders, milking equipment, automatic scrapers, as well as on farm machinery such as tractors, balers, etc., and VAT on running costs, such as agricultural diesel and energy. In general, registered farmers are in a net repayment position for VAT.

Alternatively, farmers can remain unregistered for VAT purposes and opt for the flat rate farmer’s scheme. This scheme is a long-standing arrangement under EU and national VAT laws that allow farmers who remain unregistered for VAT purposes to be compensated on an overall basis for the VAT incurred on their purchases of goods and services. It allows such farmers to charge and retain a flat-rate addition to the amount that they charge for the agricultural goods and services they supply in the course of their farming business.

The flat-rate addition is 5% as part of Finance Bill 2023. This was reduced to 4.8%, with effect from 1 January 2024, on the amount payable to the farmer. The scheme is designed to reduce the administrative burden on farmers and allows them to remain outside the normal VAT system, thereby avoiding the obligations of registration and returns.

Unregistered farmers may also be able to avail of a VAT refund on certain expenses allowed under the VAT refund order. This VAT refund order allows for refunds of VAT incurred on the construction, extension, alteration or reconstruction of a farm building or structure; on fencing, draining and reclamation of farmland; and on the construction, erection or installation of qualifying equipment for the microgeneration of electricity for use in a farm business.

VAT incurred for other purposes, such as on the acquisition of equipment or machinery, does not come within the scope of the refund order. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, where the installation of equipment requires the alteration or reconstruction of a farm building or structure, the corresponding outlay has been allowed in certain circumstances. The Revenue Commissioners have not changed their approach to the refund order. Rather, each claim is assessed on its own merits. Claims that do not meet the conditions of the refund order cannot qualify for a refund of the VAT. I hope this clarifies the position of the Revenue Commissioners.

Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan

I thank the Minister of State. I guess it does, but the concerns still remain. What I am most concerned with in the statement is the line that states "VAT incurred for other purposes, such as on the acquisition of equipment or machinery, does not come within the scope of the refund order." There were certain items of equipment, like what I mentioned earlier, such as meal bins and bulk tanks, that are not necessarily moveable as such. Bulk tanks will, for example, remain a permanent fixture on the farm. The concern is that they do not come within the scope of the refund order. Again, this will cause concern right throughout the farming sector. Registering for VAT is not as straightforward as you might think. All farmers will have their books balanced. They all do their accounts, do their profit and loss and have their books balanced and everything is above board. Registering for VAT, as well as the procedure they have to go through to do that, takes on significant extra costs when considering the accountancy and what is required there. We cannot, all of a sudden, require farmers to go through that process.

There is another factor here as well. Ireland has a healthy ag-tech sector. There are many people who are employed in the ag-tech sector. They make the equipment I just outlined, such as bulk tanks, meal bins, automatic calf feeders and automatic scrapers. These jobs are now in jeopardy as well because it throws the whole thing up in the air. There is so much uncertainty. Again, I reiterate my call. This has to be reviewed and looked at. There are so many farmers who are so far down the line and this has come at them. Even if those farmers who are already in the system and have gone about making these changes were to be looked at, it would be some bit of relief.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

The Deputy has raised this on a number of occasions through parliamentary questions and has also raised the point in recent weeks. I also note the point he made about the challenges around registering for VAT and the extra cost to farmers.

It is important also to note that Ireland maintains this refund order under an historical derogation permitted under the EU VAT directive. As the refund order is based on an historical derogation, it is not possible to expand the scope of the refund order and it would not be compatible with the EU VAT directive. At no stage has the refund order provided a basis for Ireland to issue VAT refunds to unregistered farmers in respect of farm equipment. This is clear in both the text of the VAT refund order in question as well as in VAT form 58 that farmers must use to reclaim their VAT. In the event that farmers have a query on the VAT refund order, they can contact Revenue through any of its secure online services, namely ROS or myAccount, which are excellent.

Finally, where a VAT refund is refused by Revenue, a farmer can appeal the decision to the Tax Appeals Commission, TAC. TAC is an independent statutory body hearing and determining appeals against assessments and decisions of the Revenue Commissioners including refusals under this refund order.

I note the points the Deputy has made about the agricultural tech sector also. I am not sure if my reply is of any reassurance to him----

Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan

Not really.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

-----but that is the response.

Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan

I will not shoot the messenger.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

I thank the Deputy and I appreciate that.

School Accommodation

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle and I thank her for allowing me to raise this issue again. There is a serious problem throughout north Kildare at the present time. It is welcome, of course, that we have an increasing population and an increase in employment and commercial activity. The significant increase in population impacts on school places. Almost every school and area in the north of the county is affected by either a potential shortage of school places or an existing shortage of such places. Even when new schools have been provided, massive schools, to cater for the population, there are now warning signs that the schools are not big enough or that they need another school and we need to move on in that area.

School transport has also been an issue in that area for quite a long time and it is a contributory factor to the annoyance of the parents and children who are facing the possibility of having difficulty getting a school place by next September. I know that next September is a good time away. I have spoken to the Minister about this and she said that she hopes that the issue can be dealt with in time for the next school year. However, to be sure that everything is moving in the same direction at the same time, I ask that she carries out an assessment of the need in respect of primary and second level schools.

For instance, St. Farnan's Post Primary School in Prosperous should have been built by now. I know that we had Covid-19, and so on and so forth, which slowed everything down but I believe there is a new urgency that has not manifested a response just yet and it is needed. An assessment needs to be done to test the ability to meet the demand in all areas of primary and second level schools, and special needs requirements as well. These schools all need to be done at the same time as they are all under pressure. I spoke with some of the people in the past number of days who are directly involved and it is necessary now to have an updated assessment of the this need given: the population increase, the demand for all services, and the fact that these two issues have been brought to the attention of everybody, including public representatives in the past couple of years.

My query is whether that assessment can be done as a matter of urgency with a view to conducting the ability of the system to deliver the necessary school places, special needs places, special needs teachers and assistants, and at the same time to enhance, insofar as is possible, the school transport system, which is obviously related, because some children have to move to other schools when places are not available for them. We have had difficulty with that in the past so I ask, if possible, that that be done as a matter of urgency to ensure that we do not have children scrambling for places or parents having to worry about the possibility.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. On behalf of the Minister for Education, I will set out the position with regard to primary and post-primary school places in north Kildare for September 2024 and onwards.

I assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post-primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department of Education and for the Minister.

The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the national development plan, a total of almost €250 million has been invested in schools in the county over the past five years. This investment has focused on the provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline, including for the north Kildare area.

In line with the Department's demographic projections of post-primary school place requirements, there has been a continued growth in enrolments through many school planning areas in north Kildare. In response, the Department is progressing a number of building projects in north Kildare under the national development plan. This includes projects at primary and post-primary schools, and includes provision for mainstream accommodation as well as for children with special educational needs. These projects include recently completed new school buildings for Maynooth Community College, Maynooth Post Primary School, Naas Community College and Maynooth Educate Together National School. Additionally, a number of further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including for St. Farnan’s Post Primary School, Prosperous; Scoil Dara and Scoil Ui Riada, Kilcock; Maynooth BNS; Celbridge Community School; Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge; St. Raphael’s Special School, Celbridge; Leixlip Educate Together National School; Gaelscoil Ruairí, Maynooth; Mercy Convent Primary School, Naas; Hewetson National School, Clane and St Patrick's Boys National School, Clane.

The Department is aware of pressures for school places in school planning areas across north Kildare. A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional first year places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place. In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Maynooth, Prosperous Clane, Kilcock and Celbridge, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions. The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established.

While the complete set of data that would allow a detailed analysis has not yet been received, preliminary indications are that the requirement for additional school places in north Kildare is not as high as may have been anticipated. However, the Department is working to get greater clarity in this respect, and will continue to liaise with school authorities and patrons.

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place, beyond those already in train, to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. It is hoped that this data will be received in the shortest timeframe possible to allow for planning to begin on any specific actions which are required.

To further inform our planning, school management bodies are assisting with a detailed analysis of school capacity in a number of areas, taking account of school-specific factors such as current class groupings and subject offerings.

I assure the Deputy that officials from the Department of Education will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students throughout north Kildare for the 2024-25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the north Kildare school planning areas will receive a first year place.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed reply, which is much appreciated. It clearly indicates that the Minister of State, the senior Minister and the Department has a knowledge of what the situation is. It is also important to have an up-to-date knowledge and such knowledge will show the most results at this particular time. We have all, as public representatives, tried to ensure that the school management boards relay to the Department regularly to update it, and that all of the factors that need to be brought into account to cater for an increasing population are availed of in good time.

We cannot plan for such things as the intervention of Covid, but there are modern methods that can now be used to build emergency accommodation on to a school as an alternative to the old-fashioned types of prefabs we had in the past, and we had a lot of them in Kildare North, though I am glad to say they are diminishing in number. The situation prevails in every town in the north of the county. The Minister of State mentioned most of them there, but, for instance, Ardclough has a new school and it is already under pressure and will need extra accommodation. There are a number of other schools. I do not want to go into all of them, but there are a number of them. It is a very populous county at present and it is important the children now and in the future have a good quality of accommodation so parents can be assured their children are in warm and safe surroundings and that we are making adequate preparation to ensure nobody is left out. I welcome the Minister of State's assurance that next year's requirement in September will be met.

Deputy Malcolm Noonan

Gabhaim buíochas leis An Teachta arís. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to outline the position with respect to primary and post-primary school demand in north Kildare on behalf of the Minister for Education. As I have outlined, there is a strong pipeline of projects being delivered across the schools in the area and these are delivering significant additional capacity to meet the needs of students at primary and post-primary level and of students with special educational needs, including a new 1,000-pupil school building for St. Farnan's Post Primary School in the Prosperous-Clane school planning area, a new 16-classroom for Scoil Naomh Padraig in Celbridge and an new 1,000-pupil school building for Naas Community College.

Again I inform the Deputy that the Department of Education has been in contact with schools and patrons and is aware of the evolving situation with respect to first-year places throughout the school planning areas in north Kildare for September 2024. The critical next step it the prompt provision by the schools of clear data on the applications for admissions and engagement with the schools and patrons is ongoing in that respect. It is really critical that information comes forward. Officials from the Department will continue to liaise with each of the patrons of the schools with a view to finding a workable solution to ensure no student is without a place for September 2024. The priority for the Department is to ensure there are places available for every student for the next school year and it will continue to engage with patrons and school authorities in this regard. I expect there will be further clarity provided to families and schools in the communities in the coming weeks. I hope that is of assurance to the Deputy and the communities he represents.

Cuireadh an Dáil ar athló ar 10.12 p.m. go dtí 9.10 a.m., Dé Céadaoin, an 13 Nollaig 2023.

The Dáil adjourned at 10.12 p.m. until 9.10 a.m. on Wednesday, 13 December 2023.