It is said there are mountains to be climbed, but on this issue the people of Wexford have waited 14 years. Throughout the eighties the number of students in this school has increased and currently stands at 657. That is a situation which does not exist in every school, but it has not been recognised by the Department in relation to the facilities. There has been much toing and froing on this issue during the past few years. There is one clear issue. All the preliminary work has been done and all we await is the indication from the Minister that the allocation of funds will be made and that he will give tender approval. The tender documents could be ready within eight to 12 weeks and work could commence in 1991. All we require is the decision that the Minister recognises the problems in Wexford and will provide the money.
I will give a brief summary of conditions at this school. The accommodation being used for teaching includes eight prefabs, two cloakrooms, two former bedrooms in what was an old dwelling house, a kitchen designed in the thirties which was never modernised and six other rooms which are totally unsuitable. There are three toilets for 170 12 to 19 years old girls in the old building. There are no staff toilets and there is no school library, cloakrooms or gymnasium. There are no showers, no changing rooms, play areas, no language laboratories, no lockers for students, no vice principal's office, no lunch room, no geography room, no career guidance room. I could go on. Basic essentials are not provided in this school.
Parents think we do not care. I care and the people of Wexford care. One can blame parents or politicians who may have been too complacent over the past 14 years but there is a new determination. It seems to us in Wexford that school building funds are allocated without reason. The real need is there. I appeal to the Minister to allay the fears of Wexford tonight by giving a clear signal. If we live in a democracy the pupils of Wexford should be treated no worse than the pupils in any other town. I appeal to the Minister to give the go ahead immediately to this vital project.