Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, for taking this Adjournment matter in respect of an issue concerning the Portrane-Donabate peninsula in north County Dublin, an area which has grown tremendously in recent years. As with the Minister of State's own constituency of Dublin West, it has huge educational requirements, both at primary and secondary level. Currently between 400 and 500 children attend secondary schools as far away as Balbriggan, Skerries, Malahide, Portmarnock and Swords. I am told children from the Donabate and Portrane areas attend some 13 secondary schools. Only two weeks ago I was amazed at the number of children on the platform at the railway station in Donabate waiting for trains either to Balbriggan or town.

There is no doubt that a secondary school will come to Donabate. However, to end the uncertainty for parents an announcement must be made that a school will be in place by September 2008. By that date it is estimated some 700 pupils will otherwise need to leave the area. The area is the subject of a local area action plan which will result in many thousands more homes.

I know it is a something with which the Minister of State has had to deal in his own constituency of Dublin West. I ask that every effort be made to ensure that Donabate is included in the next announcement so that the anxiety currently being experienced by parents and children will be allayed and children can be assured of a place in September 2008.