David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this issue on the Adjournment and the Minister of State for coming to the House to debate the need to construct a new building for the gaelscoil in Midleton in County Cork. As the Minister of State may be aware, Midleton is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. In 1999, 159 students were enrolled in primary schools in Midleton, including Saleen outside the town. Last year, the numbers rose by 226. The total number of primary school students in the town is 1,661 and it is envisaged that this number will increase.

The gaelscoil is operating in premises that are unsuited to its needs. It has an enrolment of 268 children. We are told that this will increase to 310 next September and 346 in September 2009. It operates out of an inadequate building with insufficient space, leaking roofs and insufficient toilet facilities which staff share with children. There is no storage space and the school building opens on to the open road. There is a huge demand for places due to the excellent staff and a desire by parents to have their children taught through Irish. This year, the school will have to turn away children.

A site is available and planning permission has been granted. Midleton is a growing town and I understand that it has been described by the Department as being in crisis where primary school places are concerned. A construction company agreed to build a school and make a site available. Everyone was happy with that and it was all systems go. However, that company has recently written to say that it is not in a position to give a date for the completion of the school owing to the slowdown in the housing market. On a positive note, however, it can and will make available immediately and free of charge to the Department of Education and Science a site with full planning permission for a school to the value of €6 million. I know that until recently, the Department and the Office of Public Works were actively seeking a site for the school. There is a great need for it and I urge the Minister of State to go back to the Department of Education and Science and impress on it the urgency of this matter.

It appears that there will be another increase in numbers in the school next September. Portakabins are being used and the situation is unsafe, yet it is a very successful school. It needs a new building. The site, plans and everything else are in place. Unfortunately, the school wanted to and thought it could build a new school independently of the Department with no cost to the State. That will not happen because of the downturn in the construction industry so we go back to the Department to see whether it will fund the building of the school on the site as planned as soon as possible.

I would like the Minister of State to say it will happen and will proceed. I will not hold my breath but I ask him and the Minister for Education and Science to use their good offices in the Department to ensure this happens. There is great need. All the schools in the area are full. Building this school would serve to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the schools in Midleton in the short term. It is a growing town and will grow even more. The projections are frightening. I await the Minister of State's reply and hope it will be positive.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising the matter as it affords me the opportunity to outline to the House the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and also to outline the position regarding Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann.

Modernising facilities in our 3,200 primary and 750 post-primary schools is not an easy task, given the legacy of decades of underinvestment in this area, as well as the need to respond to emerging needs in areas of rapid population growth. Nevertheless, since taking office, this Government has shown a focused determination to improve the condition of school buildings and to ensure the appropriate facilities are in place to enable the implementation of a broad and balanced curriculum. As evidence of our commitment, national development plan funding of €4.5 billion will be invested in schools over the coming years. I am sure the Deputy will agree this record level of investment is a positive testament to the high priority the Government attaches to ensuring school accommodation is of the highest standard possible.

Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann is a co-educational primary gaelscoil with a current enrolment of 268 pupils. The Department of Education and Science received an application for capital funding towards the provision of new school buildings. As the Deputy will be aware, the school authority and a private construction firm, without the direct involvement of the Department, were involved in an initiative to build a 16-classroom school on land owned by the developer at no cost to the school or the Department. The Department has not been involved in the design of the school nor has capital funding been provided in respect of the proposed project.

I understand that the initiative to build a 16-classroom school on land owned by the developer has been changed to an offer of a site. To progress the gaelscoil's application using the traditional method, an assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long-term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. Once the long-term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities, the required building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme. I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter and allowing me to outline the position regarding Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann.