I raise this issue to complain about the lack of progress in relation to sanctioning the extension to Ballintemple national school. Two years ago during the Cork by-elections the Minister for Education, Deputy Bhreathnach, visited the school and gave a commitment to build an extension. In early 1995 parents and the board of management were led to believe that work would commence if planning permission was obtained from Cork Corporation. In September 1995 Cork Corporation granted planning permission for the extension and refurbishment of the school, yet the Minister has refused to give the go-ahead and has treated the parents, pupils and staff with disregard and indifference.
Over 160 children attend the school. It is the only co-educational primary school on the south side of the city. Because of the high demand for places there is a real danger that children from the parish will be refused a place in the school next September. There were over 65 applicants in 1996 and the school has class sizes of up to 38, which is much too high, because of the shortage of accommodation. The school was built in 1904. Parents have complained angrily about the overcrowded conditions and they are particularly concerned about the health implications. The conditions are appalling and totally unacceptable in the modern era. Another consequence of the overcrowding is that from now on brothers and sisters from the parish may not be accommodated in the school and may have to attend schools outside the parish. The most alarming development has been the recent notification received by the principal that public liability insurance will no longer be available to the school in January because of the conditions and overcrowded nature of the school complex. This is an urgent matter that demands an immediate response from the Minister.
I tabled Dáil questions on 5 December 1995 and 25 July 1996 requesting funding for this project but the Minister refused on both occasions. I am disappointed the Minister is not present to respond. I attended the meeting with the parents, the board of management and the Minister in 1995 when we received a clear indication from her that if planning permission was received from Cork Corporation the go-ahead would be given almost immediately afterwards. At that meeting the Minister used the excuse of the planning permission issue as the basis for the difficulties in proceeding. I appeal to the Minister to provide the necessary funds to enable this badly needed extension to proceed, to treat the parents, teachers and pupils with the respect they deserve and to please honour previous electoral commitments.
