Vol. 424 No. 2
11 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the atrocious conditions under which the pupils of Scoil Dhún Garbháin, County Waterford are working; and if he will take immediate steps to provide suitable permanent premises.
144 Mr. J. Fahey asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding proposals to erect a new school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 144 together.
Drawings and specifications have been completed for a permanent national school for Scoil Dún Gharbháin, County Waterford. This proposed school will then replace the present accommodation occupied by the school. The question of preceeding to the next stage, that is, the invitation of tenders, will be considered in due course in the light of the financial allocation for 1993, when determined, and other commitments and priorities.
That was not a very satisfactory answer. Does the Minister know that at present the school caters for 100 students together with nine preschool children and that they are housed in completely unsuitable premises? The school provides only two toilets for 109 children. This is the fifth time that the school has had to move in recent years. Would the Minister ensure that a great deal of urgency is brought to bear on this case because the school is losing numbers as a result of the unsatisfactory nature of the premises?
I accept that this is a very serious case. My own research indicates the urgency of the case. The question of when I will be able to proceed with the proposed school will very much depend on the final figure arrived at after the preparation of the 1993 Estimates, which, as the Deputy will know, are being prepared in time for the January budget. I shall make every effort to ensure that the new school can be proceeded with in 1993.
Do all Irish schools such as Scoil Dún Garbhán have priority in the provision of moneys?
They do have priority in terms of the capitation fee. They receive a substantially higher capitation fee than other schools.
But not for buildings?
The level of capital moneys provided is much the same as for other schools.
I shall be raising the matter again in six months' time if no progress is made. I ask the Minister to please do something.
I look forward to that.
