Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for such a frank and honest reply. It is clear to anybody who reads the report that this school is in a dreadful state.

It is as bad as anything in St. Luke's and Tyrrelstown without, perhaps, the same level of danger. How would the Minister feel if his children were in this school?

His reply stated that:

The Department of Education and Science as owners of the site and building at St. Patrick's national school, Diswellstown Road, Carpenterstown, Dublin 15, had reason to suspect possible ground heave by active pyrites at this school. This was drawn to our attention as a result of emergency remedial works required to free fire doors, toppling fitted furniture etc.

I do not know that any Minister for Education and Skills has ever had to read out such a damning report on the state of a school. These works were undertaken by the original contractor. The Minister knows how important it is for young children in school, from junior infants up, to be able to run around in playgrounds. Does the Minister know that this September two small playgrounds in the school had to be closed? The children have to stay inside and look at their playgrounds.

The school has had an intake of four junior infant classes every year for the past three years, but now has no space left. In the coming year, it may be forced to take in only three classes. Houses are being built across the road and builders have happily advised people that it is the local primary school. There is a real social difficulty in the area.

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