I thank the Chair for allowing me to raise this important issue. I am disappointed that the Minister for Education did not think it worth her while to attend, but maybe the news is good.
Bridgetown vocational college is probably one of the most successful second level colleges from both the academic and sporting viewpoints. The extra-curricular activities at this college have to be seen to be believed. Enrolment has increased unbelievably because academic achievement is so high. Bridgetown vocational college services south Wexford: Kilmore, Rathangan, Bannor, Lady's Island, Ballymore and Rosslare. The school was built 12 years ago for 450 pupils. Enrolment for September 1997 is expected to be 800. That is a fantastic success and the reason is that the teaching staff is brilliant and totally committed to all activities in school, academic and extra-curricular.
Because the school was built for 450 pupils and there are now 800 pupils, there are severe problems with classrooms. There is severe pressure on toilet facilities, staff rooms and specialised accommodation. A schedule of accommodation was agreed approximately two years ago by the Vocational Education Committee and the Department. I take this opportunity to commend the chief executive officer on his activity not only in this school but in others in the county where we have done fairly well. Our schools can compete with any others nationwide but I cannot say the same of Bridgetown Vocational School where we have not moved with the times. When that schedule of accommodation was agreed two years ago, because of past experiences we had justifiably anticipated we would be given the green light to appoint a design team and proceed with the building. Yet at a recent vocational education committee meeting — I am a member of County Wexford Vocational Education Committee — we were informed that this project is now on hold. Why is this so? The pupils, parents, teachers and staff of the vocational education committee have been very patient.
In Bridgetown there are 16 prefabricated classrooms which are not conducive to good education, being too cold in winter and too hot in summer. I ask the Minister of State whether that is fair for the pupils and teachers. Does he agree it is a disgrace that any such project be put in abeyance? The Government can contribute to the success of the schools in our county by acceding to our request.