Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State has spoken about demographics. It is important to note that Letterkenny, like Derry, has gateway status. Many commentators have said that Letterkenny will have city status at some future time. I do not think demography should be an issue at this stage. Letterkenny is a heaving town that has seen a great deal of development. Whether that development has been done in a planned fashion is a debate for another day. Letterkenny does not have any demographic problems which mean that the level of enrolment does not necessitate the proposed extension. The problem I have raised is that the school authorities and the board of management of St. Eunan's college are unable to facilitate the present student numbers, whatever about increased numbers.

I would like to conclude by mentioning some of the investment that has been made at the college. I read last weekend in a local newspaper, Donegal on Sunday, that one of the Deputies for Donegal North-East has welcomed the installation of heaters at St. Eunan's college. I will reserve my comments about the need for a Government party Member to issue a press release welcoming the purchase of heaters by a school. The real issue faced by St. Eunan's college is its need for an extension. I would like one of the Government Deputies representing County Donegal to submit a press release saying that the extension in question will be advanced from phase one to phase two as quickly as possible. They should not make any more silly press announcements welcoming heaters.