I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter. The people of Trim have been requesting a new boys' secondary school for the past 15 years. As Taoiseach I was delighted, with the co-operation of the then Minister, Niamh Bhreathnach, to get agreement for building a new community school in Trim to cater for a long-term enrolment of 825 pupils. After difficult discussions and examination of possible sites, a site was obtained from the Bishop of Meath at the back of St. Michael's boys school in Trim, formerly known as the Model School.
On 29 May 1997 advertisements were placed in the European Journal for the appointment of a consultant architect to prepare the design scheme. To the best of my knowledge, very little has been done since then, and that is why I am raising the matter. I visited the school during the week and it is in bad condition. There are five cubicle toilets to cater for 600 boys. There is only one science room and one woodwork room. A payment was due to St. Finian's diocesan trust for the purchase of the site, but it was not paid. There is a sense in Trim that very little is being done in this regard.
Following news that I was meeting the parents and management of the school, the Minister for the Environment, who had been requested to meet them, agreed to such a meeting. Perhaps some progress has been made as a result of that meeting. I understand the Minister issued a circular indicating that something was being done about the design team. The Minister for Education should say exactly what will be done about completion of the design, which is stage two in the process, and when the project will move to stages three, four and five. Will the Minister ensure money is provided in the overall allocation for 1998 for the commencement of building at Trim?
I understand planning permission must be obtained before the other stages can commence, and that cannot be done until the design scheme is finalised. Many difficulties may arise with the design of a school. The site in question is a restricted one and it is very important the design work is carried out in conformity with the site. It is important that the old model school on the site is preserved because it has considerable architectural merit and is part of the historical heritage of Trim. It could be used for some of the administrative facilities of the school.
The present phase, the design phase which I initiated as Taoiseach, with the aid of the then Minister, should be completed quickly so that the remaining phases will move forward to the point where the school can draw down money from the 1998 Estimates. There should be no problem with school building funds in the Estimates. The economy is doing well at present and most people would attribute that primarily to the excellence of education and the quality of graduates from Irish education. We should recognise that educating young people in squalid conditions, as is the case in Trim, does not give the best start in life. I hope the Minister will give us good news on this occasion.
