Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter and the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, for coming to the House. My question relates to the provision of a proper gymnasium at St. Raphael's College, Loughrea, County Galway. It was 28 years ago, in 1976, that the school first requested this facility. The physical education facilities in the school are poor, with no light, heating, washing facilities, or toilets. This is a college that is well known for its achievements in games such as volleyball, camogie and hurling. The girls' volleyball team took part in the world championships in 1988 and twice competed at the Catholic student games. The most popular girls' games are volleyball and hurling, while the favourite games for boys are hurling and volleyball. The boys' volleyball team has won the all-Ireland B championship in the past.

Proper facilities should be provided for physical education, an important subject which is often forgotten and in which great success has been achieved by the pupils of this school.