Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

We held a meeting with the Minister for Education and Science on budget day, 6 December last, with parents, teachers, and public representatives from Galway and Clare because this problem affects north Clare too. I wish to raise a slightly different point from that raised by Senator Ulick Burke. We brought what I believe was new information to the Minister that day. I would like the report to be made available as quickly as possible. There is a significant increase in population in this area as census figures for housing development there indicate. There is no space for these students in the Callasanctius college in Oranmore or in Gort community school. The Minister for Education and Science and her Department have a responsibility to find places for students if there is no intake for them in Kinvara next September.

Any information provided to the Department is fact. There has been no attempt to pillory the Sisters of Mercy or to blame the Minister or the Department for what has happened. A diplomatic mission is required to try to get the college to agree to take in first year students next September, or to have the college leased or, better still, sold to the Department if that were possible. This college has a fine track record and has won many awards and its transition year has started.

I hope education will be very much to the forefront in the national development plan and in the context of any investment that is made. The part of south Galway to which I refer is badly in need of investment in education, which is clearly evident in primary schools in Kinvara and the surrounding areas.

A public meeting is to take place in Kinvara on Friday next. The people that will attend would like answers to the questions we have raised. I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House and I hope he will be able to provide an update on what is happening in respect of this school.