Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

Does the Minister agree that the current situation is desperate for the 198 pupils and nine teachers involved, a number which continues to grow? Does she agree that the school, which already has 12 children on the waiting list for the 2005-06 school year, has already been forced to move three times? It already consists of five second-hand pre-fab buildings. The school has received notice to quit these buildings by 2006 and the lease is non-renewable. Does the Minister agree that 200 pupils will be on the street in 15 months' time unless alternative accommodation is provided?

I received a reply to a question last December that the OPW was examining the site. Does the Minister agree that the OPW was asked in 2001 to examine the site and it decided in 2004 that it was not successful? Does she agree that this is a problematic situation for the school which is in a highly populated area and which received permanent recognition from the Department? A report on the health and safety aspects, which the board of management commissioned, is shocking. The five pre-fab buildings were bought second-hand six years ago and suffer dry rot and wet rot. Given all this and the eviction notice to the school, the Minister will need to be more specific in her reply to the good people of Westport. Is she saying that this is not a priority situation and, if not, why not?

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