Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

There is an urgent need to provide additional permanent accommodation at St. Mary's national school, Virginia, County Cavan. The school has 309 pupils enrolled but was originally built for 200 pupils. A substantial part of the accommodation needs are met by prefabs. The Department has replied to concerns raised by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, stating that as part of the assessment of the school's application a detailed assessment of demographic trends, housing developments and enrolment trends is needed. This would ensure capital funding would deliver accommodation appropriate to the school's needs. The Department stated that when the assessment is complete a decision will be made on the current and long-term accommodation needs. The building project required will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

The Department must make a thorough assessment of accommodation needs and I hope it is completed shortly. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Smith, has consistently raised this matter with the Minister for Education and Science and officials at the Department. I met the Minister, Deputy Smith, and Councillor Shane O'Reilly in November. I raised the matter again in recent days.

I welcome the Minister's assurance that this application is a priority and I appreciate her interest. I raise the matter now to highlight the need for the project to proceed to the next stage. I hope it will be included in the 2007 schools building programme.