I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise the important issue of the condition of St. Ailbe's vocational school in Tipperary town. The school has 490 students, down from 680 in 1997. As in many others towns, the school is competing with others in the area, namely, the convent and the Christian Brothers school. It deals with children of unemployed parents, of whom there are many, particularly in Tipperary town which, as the Minister knows, has suffered numerous job losses in recent years, hence its inclusion in the RAPID programme. In that context, the Government has been helpful to the people of the town and the programme is making an impact where it is important. However, Tipperary is still the second poorest town in the country.
Anyone who visits St. Ailbe's vocational school recently, as I did two weeks ago, will see at first hand the deplorable state in which it is. When it was built in the 1970s, the builder got into financial difficulties which led to problems with workmanship on the building, wherein lies the real problem. I understand the school authorities have requested assistance from the Department of Education and Science in order to carry out top-class refurbishment of the school. I cannot overstate the importance of the repair works which need to be carried out. A recent report showed that many areas needed to be dealt with.
It is deplorable to expect staff to sit in the cramped, airless conditions in the school's staff room. The Minister knows the importance of creating the right conditions in order that teachers can do their work. The administration area must be enlarged as it is too small. The reception area – just inside the door – is too confined while the woodwork, metalwork and other rooms all need refurbishment. The project has been submitted to the Department of Education and Science and I hope for good news from the Minister tonight or, if not, in the near future, when his Cabinet colleague can let the authorities know when they can expect it.
South Tipperary has benefited hugely from the Government's making finance available in recent years, particularly in Cashel, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. However, Tipperary town feels left out, particularly in regard to its vocational school. I hope we will have good news in the near future.
