Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann

–deplores the failure of both Government Parties to honour their election pledges to eliminate the current substandard inadequate primary school buildings and facilities, that are a risk to the health and safety of pupils and teachers and prevent the implementations of the full primary school curriculum:

–condemns the decision of the Minister for Education and Science to allow a cut in funding for the primary school building programme;

–and demands

–that this decision be reversed and funding for the programme be increased to €250 million per annum for the next five years;

–that the 40 primary schools identified by the INTO as unfit for habitation be immediately allowed to go to tender;

–that all Boards of Management of the other remaining schools awaiting approval be informed as to when their school will be allowed to go to tender;

–and that all schools with the appropriate enrolment for an additional teacher will have that appointment sanctioned.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy de Valera. The Government amendment is predictable, but it is also unfortunate and unworthy. I draw the House's attention to the election promises of both Government parties. Fianna Fáil's promise stated: "We will continue our policy of implementing significant increases in direct school funding." That should be noted, as in reality there was a reduction. It also stated: "We will build on the unprecedented investment we have made in school buildings to ensure every school attains modern standards within five years." The Progressive Democrats' promise stated: "We will ensure that every primary school reaches and is maintained at an acceptable, explicit national standard within three years [there is a fair bit of outbidding there] and that the primary school building capital budget will be increased to over 200 million within three years."