I very much appreciate the opportunity the Chair has given me to raise this matter. I have raised the issue on two previous occasions. As a native of Foynes, and a former pupil of the local secondary school, I am most disappointed that the Department of Education has not clarified what will happen to second level education there beyond 1995.
In January 1991, the Sisters of Mercy wrote to the parents of the students stating that they would not be continuing with the provision of education beyond 1995. This caused immediate concern in the area. In February 1991 a public meeting was held in Foynes and all politicians pledged their support for the continuation of education at this location. An action committee was formed at local level and since then they have been in contact with three different Ministers for Education, Deputies Davern, O'Rourke and Brennan. Now they have been in contact with the present Minister.
The convent has 230 pupils. The parents have proposed the amalgamation of the Shanagolden Vocational School and the convent thus creating a community college in the area. This would be welcomed by the local vocational education committee. The Sisters were prepared to sell this fine educational establishment for £500,000. The action committee hired an architect who also does work for the Department of Education. He recommended that it was good value for money and in sound structural condition. The convent are now refusing to accept first year pupils. This is understandable as they cannot guarantee that they can complete their education cycle at this location. At the Shanagolden, Kilcolman, Ballyhahill, Loughill and Foynes schools there are about 86 pupils completing their primary education this year. Where will these pupils go to complete their education? Parents, pupils and teachers have been left under a cloud of uncertainty regarding the future role of the school.
On 4 March, when I last raised this matter, I was told that the officials of the Department would be submitting their report to the Minister that week and that the Minister would not be able to assess the proposals until the report had been studied.
The previous and the present Governments have delayed too long on this issue and the parents, pupils and teachers have been shabbily treated because of Ministers' indecision. The enthusiasm and commitment of the committee is to be admired. They recognised that there might be budgetary constraints but were prepared to appoint trustees and purchase the school with the possibility of the Department of Education leasing it back over a ten year period. I call on the Minister, as the fourth Minister to deal with this matter, to face up to the issue and allow the community college go ahead. I look forward to his reply.