Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The easiest answer I could give would be that funding will be provided in 2006. However, it would not be proper for me to do so. As a fellow politician I am aware of the number of schools in Kildare that have applied for the same scheme and not all schools were successful. The Senator is more familiar with Ardpatrick school than I am and has outlined the case very strongly in the House. I suggest he outline the case to the Minister for Education and Science once the school in question applies for the 2006 scheme.

The health and safety of the pupils attending the school is very important and if this case is as dangerous as Senator Finucane has outlined, it would be important the matter be dealt with as quickly as possible. The most appropriate method for securing funding would appear to be under the summer works scheme. It was right that the school applied for this scheme last year, and while it is disappointing it was not selected, I would encourage it to resubmit.