James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Some €1.4 million was spent on upgrading St. Catherine's College which was, upon completion of work, promptly closed by the former Minister. This is not an isolated incident. Dunbeg national school, County Donegal, a fully-equipped school — a rarity these days — was recently closed by the former Minister because, technically, it was one pupil short of the required number despite the fact that more students were expected to enrol. I understand my colleague Senator McHugh intervened with the Minister to ensure the school remained opened. The people of Donegal owe a debt of gratitude to him in that regard.