Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I refer to the provision of a new campus for St. Angela's secondary school, St. Patrick's Hill, Cork. Political promises were made and meetings with officials of the Department of Education and Science held but action by the Department is required. I hope the Minister of State will provide clarity on progress on this issue in his reply. It is extraordinary that in the dying days of the Celtic tiger era schools in Cork city require urgent development.

Parents, young girls, teachers and the board of management are exasperated by the lack of movement and progress on the development of the campus. How has the Government allowed schools to operate when they are in dire need of repair, and this despite our economic prosperity and growth? The students, board of management, teachers and parents have lobbied extensively for the provision of a new school campus. The basics of a specialist room, physical education hall, purpose-built science laboratory, home economics room, school canteen and a proper assembly hall are lacking at present, as are facilities for drama, art and music. Provision must also be made for disabled students. It behoves us as public representatives to come up with a meaningful response to this Adjournment matter, so I ask the Minister of State to give a positive reply.