This issue is very important for the people connected with Mohober national school in County Tipperary, which is a little school close to Mullinahone, the birthplace of Charles Kickham. There is widespread concern over the delay in having an extension built at the school. The Department of Education and Science is aware of the problem and I await the reply from the Minister.
Adjournment Matters. - Schools Building Projects.
I thank Senator Hayes for raising this issue. At present, Mohober national school has a staffing level of a principal, plus one assistant teacher, a shared remedial teacher and a Breaking the Cycle co-ordinator. The school's current enrolment is 41 pupils. The Minister for Education and Science is aware that this school is currently accommodated in two prefabs and the school authorities have applied to his Department for a permanent building to replace these prefabs.
The Department of Education and Science's planning and building unit is currently assessing the long-term enrolment situation at the school. When this process has been completed further consideration will be given to the future accommodation needs of the school.
While the Minister for Education and Science fully appreciates the concerns of the school authorities in this matter, the Senator will appreciate that there is a large number of school building projects on hand in his Department at present. Within this constraint, the Minister for Education and Science can assure the Senator that the application from the management authorities of Mohober national school will be dealt with as speedily as possible.