Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue. I welcome the Minister to the Seanad and congratulate her on her promotion.

I would like to share my time with Senator Ulick Burke. I want to raise the issue of the amalgamation of St. Patrick's College and St. Jarlath's College in Tuam, the latter school being my own alma mater. The boards of management of both schools have been in contact with me about what they feel is the lack of progress in this proposed amalgamation, which was announced seven years ago. The progress has been slow. Both schools have worked hard to pave the way for the realisation of the project. They would like the necessary planning and development of the proposal to proceed as quickly as possible. However, the situation has presented difficulties for the two schools, particularly in regard to long-term planning, maintenance and staffing levels. It is urgent that the project should be completed as quickly as possible. To that end, the boards of management and principals of the two schools have invited public representatives in the constituency of Galway East to a meeting next Friday week.

The buildings at St. Patrick's College are very poor. It would like an answer as to what is happening and the meeting to which I referred is being held at the college to highlight its poor facilities. St. Jarlath's College has been a boarding school for many years. Two years ago, it stopped taking in boarders and, as a result, numbers have reduced. It also finds it difficult to plan for the amalgamation, which was announced seven years ago. It is time to put in place the planning and design for the project. I understand St. Jarlath's will be the base for the project as it has adequate land for the necessary buildings. However, no progress is being made at present and I raise the issue to try to obtain further information on the proposed amalgamation.