I am grateful for the opportunity to bring to the attention of the Minister, at this crucial time in terms of the compilation of Estimates, the very urgent matter of three schools within a triangle which, between them represent the fastest growing area of population in the country and, indeed, in Europe. The schools in question include Maynooth post primary school which has an enrolment of 673 students but which has accommodation only for 500. In the current year 30 students, many of whom came from areas where there are no schools, were rejected. I am aware that the Minister visited the school, is familiar with the circumstances and is doing the utmost to bring about a resolution of the problem. I should say that in response to a recent parliamentary question it appears that the Minister is relying on plans lodged with the vocational education committee and which are awaited in the Department. There appears to be some confusion surrounding those plans and the speed with which they are likely to emanate from the vocational education committee. I strongly urge the Minister to recognise that the problem is much more serious than the perception. For example, there is no provision for a transitional year due to the cramped accommodation; no provision for repeats and no provision for secretarial or PLC classes. The school authorities have utilised cloakrooms, project rooms, catering rooms, the career guidance room, libraries, etc. every possible space in the school has been used with the result that they are still overcrowded. The same applies to a number of other schools. There is an extremely high standard in the school despite the fact that teachers and children do not have the facilities they require.
The situation in Scoil Iognaid Ris in Naas is similar. In 1985 the Department of Education contacted the school authorities and requested proposals for an extension to the school on the basis that another post-primary school would not be built in that area. The school authorities responded and in the meantime we wait. In fairness to the Minister, she attempted to expedite matters. The question now revolves around how fast the Minister can respond. It may well be said that seeking extensions to two or three schools in one area at a particular time is not on; in this case it is and it is most urgent for the simple reason that it is the fastest growing area of population, if something is not done the situation will get much worse. For example, there are 679 students on the roll where the accommodation is for 450. The library, the prayer room, science rooms and every possible space is utilised for classroom purposes. There is no provision for a transitional year, no provision for repeats and no recreational space for up to 90 students on a wet day. The result is that their safety is put at risk. There is also a shortage of shower and toilet facilities.
Finally, St. Wolstan's, a vast school, is due for replacement in 1997 or thereabouts. The conditions under which teaching takes place there are not desirable in terms of safety, fire standards and so on. The case for the replacement of St. Wolstan's is self-evident. The Minister's office has agreed to the location of the replacement. Will it be possible to make the necessary arrangements now to ensure we do not have a repeat of the problems encountered in Scoil Iognaid Ris or Maynooth post primary school in four or five years' time?
The case stands for itself as it is the fastest growing area of population. The three schools listed are equally in need in terms of a response. I hope the Minister will give a favourable reply.
