I thank the Minister for taking this matter on behalf of his colleague, the Minister for Education. I am sure most Members are familiar with Letterfrack which is located in Connemara on the western coast of County Galway. In summer it is a stunningly beautiful place but in winter it is wet and windy. The 92 pupils who travel from different corners to attend the school at Letterfrack are entitled to comfortable accommodation but, unfortunately, that is not the case. There are five teachers in Letterfrack national school and only three classrooms. The temporary facilities there have been deemed by the school authorities to be in contravention of health and safety regulations — that is a quotation from the principal of the school. I am sure the Minister will agree this is most unsatisfactory.
The school board submitted plans to the Department of Education for an extension to the school. On behalf of teachers, parents and particularly the children attending the school, I appeal for approval to be given immediately for the plans and that work is authorised to commence this year to ensure it is completed for the new school year commencing next September. I am sure I have the full support and sympathy of the Minister in this matter. I hope that in reply he will indicate that provision will be made in the current year for the extension to Letterfrack national school.