Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators Daly and Dooley for raising this issue and for their kind comments. Scoil Seanain Naofa, Clonlara, County Clare, has an enrolment of 301 pupils so I am delighted to hear there were 400 parents at the meeting. It shows a true commitment on the part of families. The school has a staffing level of a principal and 11 mainstream class teachers, one learning support teacher and one resource teacher. Clearly it is a substantial school and the Senator has indicated that the projections are there for the long term as well.

A full design team has been appointed and architectural planning has commenced for a refurbishment and extension project for the school. The project is listed in section 8 of the 2004 schools building programme. Senators will be aware of the various levels through which a project must go before going to final tender. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department. The project is at stage 3 of architectural planning and officials in my Department are currently examining the documentation.

However, I would be very concerned if, as indicated by Senator Dooley, there are fumes emanating from the boiler. I would be concerned in the context of the responsibility of the board of management to ensure the health and safety of the children in its care. Emergency funding is available if needed. Funding is also available under the summer works scheme specifically for such a contingency. I would advise that the board of management should not allow a situation to develop where the children and staff are in any danger from the boiler while awaiting a more permanent building.

All of the projects are being reviewed at the moment, particularly this one, to see how they can be included as part of a multi-annual schools building programme from 2005. My current priority is with the Estimates process with the Minister for Finance where I am trying to get as much money as possible for this important issue. Once I know how much money there will be, I will be in a better position to advise on what will happen regarding this school.