I also thank the Minister of State for giving up her time and coming to the House to debate this matter. While I acknowledge the great inroads made by the previous Government in the area of education, with increased expenditure of 62% over the past five years, we all know that there is still much work to be done. As we approach the budget and as the Minister prioritises the works to be carried out in the year ahead, one must note the plight of one school and appeal to the Minister to give serious consideration to prioritising it based on the facts and allow it to advance to the next stage of its extension plans in the forthcoming Estimates.
St. Joseph's national school in Riverstown, Glanmire, County Cork, has been seeking development for 17 years. As we all know, primary education is the foundation stone of a balanced and productive life. Seventeen years represent two generation cycles of national school.
The school was built with 12 classrooms. It now has 19, five of which are in prefabs, one in the school hall and one in the medical room. In addition, there are two resource teachers in portacabins, one learning support teacher in a tiny cubicle and another in the staff room. The language tutor is taking classes in the corridor. The play area is non-existent due to the additional portacabins.
The history of this school is alarming. In 1985 the board of management sought a four classroom extension which was granted and approved. The plans were submitted to the Department and planning permission was obtained. When it was ready to go to tender, however, the project was cancelled and there has been no development since. As the numbers of students increased, the facility remained static.
Between 1985 and 2000, constant representations were made to the Department and Government looking for the work to commence. In February 2002, after much work, the Minister's predecessor assured the board and parents that plans would proceed. They were submitted for a 12 classroom extension to reflect current needs. In May 2002, stage 3 documents were submitted to the Department and, in August, assurances were received that the extension would be considered in the 2003 Estimates. However, in September, word came that there would be no further progress on the extension. Disappointment, shock and despair were felt by the whole community.
I cannot explain or even try to emphasise how the teachers, parents and pupils have continued to operate in the school. The commitment shown by staff is absolutely remarkable under restraints. I have outlined the history of the school and the frustration and false hopes in the community. I appeal to the Minister to evaluate this project seriously, based on the facts as I have presented them. A wait of 17 years is just too long – too long to have children live in false hope year after year.
The abiding memory I have from my most recent visit to the school is of watching two children being taught in the alcove of a corridor. This is just not acceptable. I hope and appeal to the Minister of State that, in prioritising the works programme, she will look at this project seriously, given its long history and that an extension was promised as far back as 1985, which we are still awaiting.
