I welcome the opportunity to raise this important matter on the Adjournment and I thank the Minister of State for coming into the House to reply to it.
The ongoing delay by the Department of Education and Science in establishing a new school in Rathmore, County Kerry, is causing huge distress to staff, students and teachers in the three schools which are due to amalgamate to form the new school. I have raised this matter on a number of occasions in this House and, in spite of having received assurances from the Minister, I find myself forced to raise it again on the Adjournment. This issue was the subject of parliamentary questions on 5 April and 21 November and an Adjournment debate matter on 10 May, yet no progress has been made.
In June 1998, the board of management and parents of children at the Presentation Convent primary school, Shrone national school and St. Joseph's national school agreed in principle to the proposed amalgamation of the three schools. Of the three schools, St. Joseph's is by far the one most in need of replacement. That is not to discredit the needs of the other schools. The condition of St. Joseph's national school is a hazard to teachers and students alike. The standard of accommodation there is so bad that the Department of Education and Science has accepted it is one of the worst school buildings in the country.
The building was condemned two years ago by the environmental health officers of the Southern Health Board and the INTO. Yet, students are still expected to receive their primary education in these appalling conditions. I visited the school and was shocked by its level of disrepair. The toilet facilities are located outside the school in a building which is no more than a shed and is unfit for use. Children must cross the yard in all kinds of weather if they wish to use these facilities and there are no staff members nearby to ensure that the children are safe at all times and return to their classrooms. This is not the fault of the hard pressed teachers.
The three classrooms in the school are completely inadequate and do not meet the standards which children and their teachers should expect in 2000. The roof of the main building leaks and is in constant need of repair. This is a source of distraction and discomfort for those using the building. It is not surprising that rats found a safe haven under the computer desks in all of the classrooms in the winter of 1998. The windows of the building are completely rotten.
The conditions in the school are unbearable. Who, in this House, would tolerate their children being educated in such conditions? No parent should be expected to send his or her child to such a school. In spite of constant representations by members of the local community and public representatives, we are not any closer to a decision on the school. Members of the school's board of management met the Minister in Dublin in June but, in spite of the tea and sympathy he offered, matters have not progressed. Did those people, who are dedicated to the students of St. Joseph's, waste their time and money coming to Dublin last June? Why has this urgent project not progressed an inch since then?
The people of Rathmore have waited long enough; they demand and deserve action now. I call on the Minister to adopt a hands-on approach to the critical situation of the school. The Minister of State has probably come into the House with a prepared script. I appeal to him to send a senior departmental official down to the school in order that we can get together with the other agencies involved to resolve any difficulties which exist. I make that plea to the Minister of State this evening. If he cannot provide an assurance to the people of Rathmore this evening, provision must be made in next week's budget for the school.
In spite of the wonderful work carried out by parents and staff, the education of the pupils of St. Joseph's school is suffering. This is grossly unfair and cannot be allowed to continue. We have had enough bluff and bluster and need action now. I implore the Minister to do something for the people of Rathmore.
