John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Higgins for raising the issue and his kind words. He was one of the better contributors in the other House and will be equally vocal and valuable to this House. I read recently that he was thinking of heading for Europe to which perhaps his position here is a stepping stone. I am glad that he has given me the opportunity of outlining to the House the current position regarding the provision of improved accommodation at Scoil Croí Íosa, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo.

The school has a staffing level of principal, nine mainstream class teachers, one remedial teacher, one shared resource teacher based at the school, one special additional assistant, three resource teachers for Travellers, two temporary assistants for non-national pupils and a concessionary post. The enrolment at 30 September 2002 was 246 pupils.

The Department of Education and Science has received an application from the management authorities of the school for grant assistance towards the provision of improved accommodation. The Department has an extensive primary school building programme under way. This includes about 400 major building projects in architectural planning, details of which are available on the Department's website.