Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Not that I am aware of. As it is a top-class school, a large number of pupils in Tralee and the surrounding areas apply for admission to the school. The feeder schools, Moyderwell and Balloonagh primary schools, have first choice. As a result 90 pupils are on the waiting list to gain admission in September. For some time we have been waiting for a consultant post to be filled in Tralee General Hospital. The prospective consultant may not be able to take up this post because he cannot get his daughter into the Presentation School or Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk, due to the waiting lists.

Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk, has been one of the success stories of amalgamation and co-education. It should be given preferential treatment as regards the provision of extra accommodation to replace the prefabs and ensure the waiting lists are removed. I hope the Minister of State's reply will not be the usual formula stating it will be sorted in five years.

I hope instead the Minister of State will enlighten the House with regard to the immediate plans the Tánaiste and her Department have for Mercy secondary school in Mounthawk.

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