Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, to the House and I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing this Adjournment matter. It is very appropriate that the Minister of State is here as he acted as principal in the school involved some time ago. I will not say how long ago.

Abbey national school in Loughrea was built in 1928 and the building essentially remains the same. It has approximately 32 students and the accommodation is inadequate. The school has two rooms and two teachers. It has the additional support of a special needs assistant, resource teacher and other support teachers in the school. While we all accept the idea of integrated education, we must realise that all this takes place in a two-room school. None of the facilities have been improved, other than the provision of new windows, a heating system and a very small extension, mainly to accommodate the boiler, a hand-basin and a few small presses, which could not be regarded as a kitchen or staffroom.

The frustration of the board of management, teaching staff and parents is at an all-time high. As a result of the Department's refusal of permission for a permanent extension, they have asked for prefab accommodation for those requiring one-to-one support teaching. They do not want anything elaborate. Their demands are very modest. I ask the Minister of State, as a former principal of the school, to intercede with the Minister for Education and Science and her Department to have the case for the school re-examined with a view to providing at least emergency accommodation for those children in need of special assistance.

If we were talking about a modern classroom for high-flyers it would be one thing. However, when we are talking about children who are educationally disadvantaged, it is unfair to add to that disadvantage. I hope the Minister of State will be able to respond in a positive way. Any renovations carried out in the past were provided partially by the fundraising endeavours of the parents in a small rural community.

The dampness pours off the walls because of the nature of the building. This happens not only on wet days, but also on ordinary days and is an everyday occurrence. In addition, presses and other obstacles must be placed over holes in the floor so that children will not injure themselves. That is the educational background against which these children are being taught. Were it not for the dedication and commitment of the staff, board of management, parents and all involved, it would be a sorry state.

The parents and board of management do not seek media attention to show the inadequacies of facilities in the school. Clearly they are determined that their children should at least get a reasonable opportunity. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider the matter.