Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. A new school was constructed in Croghan, County Roscommon. Croghan is a small village between Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon and Elphin. The population in the area is growing rapidly and the new school was a big attraction, with an increased number of pupils enrolling. A fourth teacher will join the staff in September. What was originally a two-teacher school is now a four-teacher school.

Through a tax back scheme and church donations the board of management has received €50,000. The local church fund has loaned the school another €50,000. An outstanding amount of between €200,000 and €250,000 is required from the Department of Education and Science. The school building has been completed and the staff are ready to move in. However, the builder will not hand over the school until he receives payment. If the new school is not operational, the school will have to rent another prefab. There are two in place already. The old school is for sale but due to the economic downturn, it cannot be sold. It has a prime site of 0.75 acres on the main road.

The proceeds from the sale of the school will be given to the Department of Education and Science, and a letter has been sent by the board of management to the Minister stating that. The parents, staff and board of management have done everything possible to satisfy the Department's guidelines. I commend them on their initiatives and co-operation with the Department. I ask the Minister to release the funds necessary to enable the school children and their teachers to move into the new school.

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