James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me the opportunity to raise this important issue for my constituency, namely, the need for the Minister for Education and Science to give the go-ahead for Ballymahon vocational school's refurbishment project to go to tender without further procrastination or reconsideration on her part. A sum of €1.3 million was ring-fenced for the project under the devolved grant and guaranteed by Deputy Peter Kelly and Councillor Barney Steele before the previous general election. Approval was confirmed several times during the election campaign, as highlighted in the Longford newspapers and on local radio stations.

"Procrastination" is the operative word in this context. How much longer can this 202-pupil post-primary school be expected to wait for the necessary refurbishment to provide a 21st century education for those under its care? I will cite the words of the Minister in a reply to a parliamentary question I tabled on the issue:

The proposed project referred to is at an advanced stage. Further progression will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multiannual school building and modernisation programme.

I have twice received an identical reply aimed at deflecting my request for confirmation of the time at which the project will be allowed to go to tender. The board of management, under the chairmanship of Councillor Sean Farrell, principal, teachers, pupils and parents of Ballymahon vocational school have heard these words once too often. The time has come to face up to the question and answer it directly.

In December 2007, the VEC was told not to proceed to tender until the Minister made a further announcement. However, Ballymahon vocational school was not included in the list of projects announced in the meantime. A further announcement is to be made shortly and the school is clinging to the hope that it will be given the green light and the project will proceed to tender. The Minister should imagine, if she can, a school which offers a wide range of subjects to junior and senior cycle pupils at junior and leaving certificate, leaving certificate applied and post-leaving certificate levels but does not have an upgraded computer room or home economics room. The Minister will be aware that the school has its fair share of special needs pupils who are very welcome and well integrated and a fine special needs unit. In addition, the school urgently needs new vehicular access, an external link corridor between buildings and a new administration area. A complete mechanical and, most important, electrical upgrade is urgently required in the interests of health and safety.

Ballymahon vocational school is a vibrant school with a wide range of sporting and extra-curricular activities running in conjunction with its excellent academic programme. However, it is being impeded in its educational endeavours by the delays and continued reconsideration of the progression of its vital development project. I ask the Minister of State to give me a definite time for the project to go to tender. The school has been disgracefully let down by the Minister and only a guarantee given this evening that the project can proceed to tender will satisfy the principal, teachers, parents and board of management.

It is unacceptable that the Minister, Government and local public representatives from the Government parties, Deputy Peter Kelly and Councillor Steele, make mileage at the expense of the school. Empty promises may win elections but such spin is shameful when the education of our children is concerned. I demand a positive answer which will allow the school to go to tender immediately because it is badly needed in the heart of my constituency.

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