Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

After Longford, Tipperary is number two on the RAPID list and, although it relates to a different subject, the case I will make is very similar. The Cathaoirleach may be familiar with St. Ailbe's vocational school in Tipperary town. It is a fine school in the sense that the students and teachers do good work. However, they have to contend with what are really deplorable conditions. I am raising this on the Adjournment because it seems to be the most effective way to bring a matter that needs urgent remedial action to the attention of the Minister and his civil servants.

I do not wish to maintain that nothing has been done. A new fence around the school was provided last year because many people were clambering on the roof and it was not possible to solve the roof problems until the building was properly fenced off. Leakage and damp are affecting several of the schoolrooms and buckets need to be used on wet days. The school would not pass any health and safety inspection test. New buildings are not required, but extensive refurbishment of the building and of some of the elements in it is needed.