Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for coming into the House to take this issue, but I am still not satisfied with the answer I am getting today. Perhaps the Minister of State might chase up the history of previous applications. If it is outside the scope of the scheme, I fail to understand the problem. As far as I am concerned, every part of the school requires urgent attention. What happens if there is a fire in the school in the morning and windows cannot be opened? It is just awful. I am not just saying this to try to influence the Minister of State, but it is urgent and there are safety fears here.

Can the school management apply for another scheme to deal with these ongoing problems? There are structural problems, electrical problems, problems with the roof, dampness and mould. Very little money has been spent on permanent structures in this school. It is an old type of school, built back in 1959. Many other schools in the area have improved, but this school has been left behind and I am extremely worried for the children, the teachers and the parents, who are also concerned about these issues.

I ask the Minister of State to come back to me on this. Perhaps he could visit the school in his capacity as Minister of State. It needs urgent attention. He might let me know where the school is in the Department's building programme for the construction of permanent structures or improvements. If the school is outside this scheme, what other scheme can it apply for?

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