Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

This matter concerns an eight-year battle we have had in Tuam to have St. Patrick's College and St. Jarlath's College amalgamated. I raised this matter on 28 October 2004 and I have the impression that I am speaking to the wind but I will continue to bring up the matter until I get an answer. I do not intend to go back through the history of the proposed amalgamation of the colleges. Suffice to say that it all started eight years ago and the plan was considered to be in the best interests of the school-going fraternity in both colleges. It was the best step to take from an educational viewpoint but why has it taken eight years to get to this stage? I hope the Minister of State will have some facts for me this evening.

On the last occasion, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform dealt with my query on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science. Having raised the matter last October, I met the new Minister for Education and Science, together with other representatives from east Galway. We were led to believe then that we would soon be told what would happen.

In common with every other project, I was informed at the time that the 2005 allocation — this wonderful, multi-annual programme the Government has to cover all the evils in school buildings — would be announced early in the new year. It was announced but this amalgamation was not mentioned. Some Deputies in east Galway seem to believe it is only a matter of days or weeks until this amalgamation receives the go-ahead. I sincerely hope they are right but as an opposition spokesman with a particular interest in this amalgamation, I am far from satisfied with the speed at which this matter is being handled.

Can the Minister of State explain the current status of the amalgamation? Is it true that departmental personnel are currently examining the schools' structures? Is that happening as we speak? Will the approval to proceed to the planning and subsequent stages be announced next week, next month or next year? There appears to be a body of opinion, shared by some of my colleagues in east Galway, that the amalgamation will be announced in a few days. I cannot understand why it was not announced in the 2005 allocations, which were unveiled last month. At a meeting before Christmas, my colleagues and I informed the new Minister of the current situation. God knows, after eight years all the information on the detailed work that should have been done must be available.

There is a problem with the roof of St. Patrick's College. It is a technical matter but a sum of money was made available for roofing repairs. However, I understand it has now become apparent to both the Department and the school authorities that the money should be spent in a different manner to that first approved by the Minister. It would make a huge difference to the school if it could be expended in a slightly different way. That is enough for me to put on the record because I assume the departmental officials know exactly what I am talking about. That is important.

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