Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I listened in awe to Senator Fitzgerald trying to defend the indefensible. To paraphrase a song from a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, I have got them on the list. The following ten schools in Waterford are on the list to which I refer: Naomh Mhuire, Ballygunner; Scoil Lorcáin, in St. John's Park, Waterford; St. Paul's Junior School, Lisduggan; Gaelscoil Phort Láirge, Ballygunner; Ballyduff National School, Kilmeaden; Butlerstown School; Knockanore National School; Scoil na bhFiodh, Kilmacthomas; and Holy Cross School, Tramore.

Money was promised like snuff at a wake prior to the general election. These are not allegations, but facts and realities. Fianna Fáil candidates visited these schools and stated that money would be available immediately. It is good to see members of the boards of management of these schools going on local radio and telling newspaper journalists about the false promises that were made and the false hope that was given to schoolchildren and their parents. They are being told that leaking roofs can be fixed, but for many years we have only had patchwork funding of primary schools.

The budget may be more than €5 billion, but only €147 million is being spent on capital projects in primary schools. That is not sufficient and more money will have to be provided. However, the Government has decreased the amount of money available for capital projects in the budget. Despite the State's wealth, this is the way we treat our schoolchildren and the teachers who are trying to teach in substandard schools. I compliment the Minister for saying he will not tolerate queue jumping. He must honour that promise, but it will not be sufficient. He should not tolerate what is happening and should demand more money. A budget sets priorities. It is obvious that primary schoolchildren, their parents, teachers and the boards of management are not on the Government's priority list.

I could say more, but I would only be repeating what my colleagues stated. The lack of money for primary schools is not a localised matter, it is one that affects the lives of people throughout the country. It is something the Government must tackle and the sooner the better. Pious platitudes will not solve the problems in our national schools.