Thank you for allowing me to raise on the Adjournment the matter of St. Joseph's national school, Killenummery, Dromahair. At this stage, the Minister of State is aware of the problems at this school. An application was made to upgrade the toilets in the school, which was sanctioned by the Department in September 1995, but this is only a small section of the work required.
There are problems with regard to the condition of the windows, the provision of toilet accommodation for the teacher and of hot and cold water. The windows and doors are defective and causing draughts. A number of floors in the school need to be replaced. In addition, there are problems relating to desks, chairs and general school furniture. A major problem exists in terms of the playing facilities. Part of the green area attached to the school was fenced off because it was waterlogged and in a dangerous condition.
Will the Minister and her Department sanction the proposed renovations suggested by the board of management and the school's manager. It is important sanction is given immediately so that the work can be done during the forthcoming summer holidays. I hope the Minister will give favourable consideration to this matter because nobody can expect pupils and teachers to work in the type of conditions in this school. I hope she will be in a position to allow the board of management and the manager to proceed with bringing this school up to a condition suitable for pupils in 1996.
