Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important issue for students, parents and teachers in south Sligo. Carn national school is a two-classroom school which was built in 1885, 124 years ago. In 1995, a portable classroom was made available to the school. Current enrolment is 70 children and projected enrolment for 2010 is 80 children. Currently, the school employs three teachers, one learning support teacher and one resource teacher on a part time basis. Resource teaching is held in the hallway or a small area partitioned off from one of the original classrooms, which is the principal's office.

The school is located on a small site, described by an official from the Department of Education and Science as a postage stamp. It is located on the Ballina-Dublin Road, which is a busy road close to a dangerous junction. There are no parking facilities for staff or parents dropping off children at school. The school is served by a septic tank located on the land of an adjoining farm and is currently causing many problems. There is no green space where children can play. This year there has been 14 near accidents at the school when parents were dropping off or collecting children from the school. The board of management has expressed grave concern for the children as a result of these near accidents. It is also concerned that responsibility in this regard may fall back on them as board members. It is unfair to put people in such a position.

I acknowledge the work done by the board of management which has obtained a site on which to build a new school. The site is adjacent to a football pitch, is of ample size and safe. The parents of the children attending the school have raised funds to provide for construction of a 100 yard long road into the site. While that might not sound like much it took a great deal of hard work and commitment by parents, many of whose children may never use the school as they will have gone through the system.

I implore the Minister to take on board the difficulties being experienced by these students, teachers and parents. This issue must be addressed. The Minister during his last visit to Sligo visited Carn national school and is aware of conditions there and of the difficulties experienced by teachers while trying to work in such an environment and by the children being educated in this environment.

I implore the Minister and his officials to prioritise this school which is, I believe, one of the worst in this country today.

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