John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I use it as a model. I take Deputy Costello's point fully. We can all look at examples of where things have not worked in the past but, specifically, this is a model where the sod was turned before a single person is living in the area and by September of next year that school will be operational. That is the way it should be done. The Department of Education and Science, to which Deputy Paul McGrath referred earlier, is only one of the elements — other partners such as the local authority are required to engage in this process also. I agree that this is the way we need to strategically plan and develop.

I have been a member of a school board of management for a number of years. The proposed increase in capitation is more significant than in previous years. At primary level the basic rate will increase by €18 per pupil next year. That is 50% more than the rate of increase last year. That means that every primary school will get €163.50 from January to cover expenses. In addition, the ancillary services grant is going up by €6.50 to €145.50 per pupil. The overall increase is approximately €24.50.

A 300 pupil school, which is a little smaller than my local school, would receive in excess of €90,000 per annum. That is, effectively, an increase of €7,000 or €8,000 which is a significant amount. It is probably the largest single increase we have ever received by way of capitation. My local school's board of management considers this is a realistic budget from which to deliver the necessary services of caretaking, cleaning, heating, lighting, etc.

It is a pity the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, has left the Chamber as I wished to compliment him. At the end of his speech he briefly referred to the provision of €88 million for local recreational facilities. That includes the swimming pool programme, the sports capital programme etc. I have lived all my life in Clondalkin and I still live there. My 14 year old son, who is a sports enthusiast, is enjoying facilities that did not exist in my time. When I was his age there was not a single sports hall in Clondalkin and not a single sports club had a changing facility. When I was 14, the first swimming pool was opened in Clondalkin. Next year, it will be replaced by a brand new swimming pool.

Members on all sides would acknowledge that the sports capital programme has delivered local sporting facilities around the country that could never have been envisaged. The advent of changing facilities has afforded girls an opportunity to participate in sports, especially soccer and GAA games. The level of female membership of sports clubs is increasing because the facilities are in place. I acknowledge what the Minister has achieved but I wish to speak with him about a couple of key projects.

Funding is in place and every year the stock of sporting and recreational facilities is increasing significantly. It is probably time for the Minister to commence a second swimming pool programme because, as other speakers like Deputy Deenihan have stated, obesity is a major problem. It is important for children to be involved in sport from a young age. The existing swimming pool programme is very successful and popular. It is co-funded by the Department and local authorities. There has been a keen interest in this programme. Local authorities such as South Dublin County Council have bought into the programme. It has two swimming pools, one in Tallaght and one in Clondalkin, both well advanced in construction. I would like to see phase two of the swimming pool programme initiated.

I compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, on the Book of Estimates. He has achieved a balance between capital and current expenditure without having a negative or inflationary impact on the economy. I commend the Estimates to the House.

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