I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me raise this matter on the Adjournment. I welcome the Minister, who will respond to it. It relates to a rural school called Cooneal, which is located four or five miles to the north of Ballina. Over the years, many rural schools have been brought up to a very acceptable standard and this is much appreciated by everyone involved in education. Nevertheless, there still are substandard schools and they are a blot on the educational landscape. Unfortunately, Cooneal is a school that falls into that category. The Department is aware of the engineer's report on the school. There is a sense of urgency regarding the updating of its facilities.
People can become dismayed and cynical. Without dwelling on its merits or demerits, when parents in Cooneal hear of the £60 million allocation to Croke Park they ask the reason they cannot be given a few pounds to refurbish the school. That is a valid reaction, one that is becoming widespread in an area where there are deficiencies. In this era parents will not tolerate for much longer substandard conditions for their children.
I am sure the Minister of State will have positive news on what the Department has in mind for Cooneal in the immediate future. Given that we are approaching the summer recess it would be desirable that the work be completed during the break in order that by next winter the children of Conneal could return to a school that is warm and equipped with all the sanitary facilities which all children deserve in this day and age. Their parents deserve to see them in acceptable accommodation to help further their education. It is difficult enough to educate children without having to do so in unsuitable conditions. I shall not elaborate on the issue except to say that the matter is before the Department and I look forward to a positive response from the Minister of State. There is no reason this school in a rural community should not qualify for all the refurbishment grants available to raise it to an acceptable standard.
