This is not a reflection on the Minister of State but I am disappointed the Minister for Education is not present as it shows a consistent lack of interest in the problem at Clonmel High School. When I raised the matter on numerous occasions last year she was not present. When in Tipperary last year she would not call to the school to witness the urgency of the problem. We had been told we would be looked after in the January budget. Now, a year later, I expect the same answer, that we will be looked after in next year's budget.
Some 695 pupils attend a school which was built for 300. Next year there will be over 700 pupils in that school due to the transition year. Recent renovation works, while welcome, commenced in the middle of the summer but could not be completed before the start of the school year. This caused serious disruption to the school programme in September and October and left the school with a deficit of six classrooms during that period.
Fianna Fáil offered accommodation but it was found to be unsuitable. Nevertheless it showed our commitment and our generosity to the pupils of the school. The completed renovations have resulted in the number of classrooms being reduced by two. A year later, I understand the Department has not advanced the school planning process from stage 4 to stage 5 when it can go to tender.
To illustrate the urgency of the problem, 75 pupils studying woodwork to junior certificate level and approximately 70 pupils taking construction studies to leaving certificate level have minimal facilities. Some 250 technical graphic students do not have proper equipment, including a room or facilities in which to pursue their studies up to leaving certificate level. Over 400 pupils are deprived of proper facilities for their education. The art room will be converted to a storage room when the work commences. That gives some idea of the size and suitability of that room for its current use.
Clonmel High School, one of the four secondary schools in the town, has a long tradition of success, high standards, discipline and exceptional teaching standards. Any further delay in proceeding to planning permission and tender stages will cause uproar in a town with a population of 17,000, not to mention the catchment area. No more prefabs will be allowed on site. No improvement, even temporary, can be continued in this area.
The patience and perseverance of parents, pupils and staff may not be guaranteed in the new year if these conditions persist with an expected intake of 138 pupils and many more who will be disappointed. Clonmel, pupils, teachers and parents deserve the new addition to the school to preserve the standards to which they have become accustomed through many years of teaching in that great academic high school. We expect it to be included in the budget for next year and if not someone will pay for it somewhere along the line.
