Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply and I understand everything he has gone through and the restrictions on the Department. However, I reiterate that the school is built to cater for only 350 students and now caters for 550 students. It is the school I and all my family attended and I am very grateful for the education I received there. Since then the numbers have increased. When the project initially began 12 years ago I was completing my leaving certificate; this is how long ago it began. At that stage the Department told the school it should seek a new school building due to the increase in numbers then. I recognise the fact that the numbers are stable at present. However, the growth has already occurred in Mountbellew and this needs to be recognised.

If another school is unable to fulfil its promise to build a school in the next five years would Holy Rosary College be considered at the top of the list? If any funding becomes available to the Department in the coming years, the parents, students and people of Mountbellew and surrounding areas would like to ensure it would mean Holy Rosary College would be at the top of the list. I extended an invitation to the Minister at any opportunity he has to visit the school to see the cramped conditions. I would be very grateful for any support the Department can give the school in the coming years.

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