I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Allen, for being here again in the absence of the Minister for Education; this is the fourth time he has been present for a matter I have raised and I hope he is getting the credit for any good that comes out of these matters. I ask the Minister of State to remind the Minister for Education that on her visit to Carndonagh on 8 March, she will no doubt be requested to visit St. Joseph's boys school in Moville and meet the people involved with it.
I wish to refer to the critical situation at St. Joseph's school. On 26 November 1995 the secretary of the school action committee wrote to the Department of Education outlining no fewer than 18 serious deficiencies in the school, including health hazards and the presence of rats and other vermin. In addition, five pertinent questions were posed seeking information on the normal procedures adopted in such cases. To date no reply has been received by the group other than an acknowledgement of receipt of the letter, although I received a written answer to a parliamentary question on the matter.
This reply mentioned that the cost of refurbishing the school would be prohibitive and the Minister would now consider amalgamating the boy's school with the existing girls' school. I understand this would envisage putting new buildings on a site adjoining the girls' school. I am glad that at least the matter is being looked into — to use a phrase popular with civil servants. However worthy this proposal, I am concerned about the fate of the children and teachers in the meantime. Their morale is at a low ebb and some children have already been moved by their parents to schools in Greencastle, Muff and Whitecastle. One classroom was in such a bad state of repair that the class was moved to an empty chalet at the girls' school after Christmas. This was an improvement to some extent but was still far from ideal; for example, the boys now have to share the toilets with the girls.
To further illustrate the seriousness of the matter. I understand that the post of principal and one other teacher have not yet been filled because of the conditions in spite of being advertised on a number of occasions. I appeal to the Minister to proceed with whatever plans there may be regarding the new buildings and address, as a matter of urgency, the possibility of providing immediate improvements at the existing boys' school. This is demanded in the interests of the children who may have left school altogether by the time the new buildings are provided.