Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for choosing this item for discussion on the Adjournment. I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Browne, and congratulate him on his return to office after a brief aberration. It is good to see him back again.

Scoil Croí Íosa, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo is probably the best model of integration in Ireland. It consists of 246 students, of which 53 come from 12 different nationalities. There is also a high proportion of Traveller children. The people of Ballyhaunis are very proud that, at a time when xenophobia seems to be sweeping the country and there is a frightening outbreak of racism, we have such a merger of so many different cultures within a small community, and that all are working in mutual respect with each other. That is the reason there is gross disappointment in the local community that the new amalgamated primary school, Scoil Croí Íosa, has not been afforded the accommodation it deserves.