I am extremely disppointed that the Minister for Education — this is no reflection on the Minister of State who was not involved in the decision to exclude Clonmel High School — has not come to the House to answer the points I wish to raise. As you, a Cheann Comhairle, and many other Members are aware, this school was meant to cater for an enrolment of 320 pupils. Currently, there are 684 enrolled. It is the only second level academically oriented school in the town and there are 18 feeder schools.
Last year 100 pupils had to be turned away because of lack of space. The closing date this year for the receipt of applications is 19 March and already over 200 application forms have been sent out. There is a real danger that first year pupils will not be taken in. An enrolment of 135 pupils this year would bring the total enrolment to over 700 and such a number would not be manageable. The demand for places in increasing because of the tremendous achievements and excellence of the school.
It is accepted by the Department of Education that the population of Clonmel will continue to increase. It was announced recently that Seagate was to establish in the town and create 1,200 jobs. Employment is also to increase at Medite and Merck Sharp and Dohme. Over £75 million has been invested under the urban renewal scheme.
We constantly make the point to those contemplating establishing industry in the area that it has an excellent centre of education. Unfortunately, their employees will not be able to send their children to it. The alternative is to ask them to send their children to Rockwell College, a fee paying school. This would be out of the question for most people as the costs involved amount to £1,500 to £2,000 per year.
The Minister continues to refuse to sanction the provision of extra accommodation. This may mean that no first year pupils will be taken in in two consecutive years. To say the local community is shocked and outraged is to put it mildly. This will not be tolerated by the pupils, parents and staff who have shown their goodwill on the understanding that the necessary funds will be made available and the work carried out. When the Minister met a deputation last November there was a clear insinuation that the school was at the top of the list and would be given priority if funds became available. One Government Deputy even announced that there would be good news for the school. Many people from that area have done exceptionally well. It is unfortunate, therefore, that for the want of a total of 1,304 square metres of accommodation at a mere cost of £1 million the education of young boys in Clonmel will be stymied.
Out of a budget of more than £2 billion surely the Minister could allocate £200,000 or £300,000 to start this project next October. That amount of money would be sufficient until January. Many builders would extend credit to the Department or facilities could be arranged with banks and other institutions prepared to assist. Unfortunately, however, there does not appear to be any hope. I am fearful the good will of the pupils, parents and staff may be eroded. A total of 39 staff in the school use a staff room intended for 14 people. It is difficult to work in those conditions. The decision not to sanction funding for this project will not encourage investment in the town. I appeal to the Minister of State to persuade the Minister that facilities could be put in place this year. I received a deliberately misleading reply in the House last week——