Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I accept there must be an emphasis on developing areas and ones of rapid population expansion, but it is also important not to forget rural areas. In County Cavan, for example, we see the greatest increase in enrolment apart from Dublin.

We also need to know about current planning and whether there is real vision in what the Department is doing. Take for example the new proposed Phoenix Park community national school which is to be opened in September 2008. We have discovered that this school is in the wrong place and has a very small enrolment application, not even enough to make an infant class. Why has this gone ahead, particularly when in St. Brigid's national school in the parish of Castleknock there are still approximately 20 vacant places and also vacant places in Blanchardstown. Why was the decision made to situate the Phoenix Park school in that area?

The Muslim community in north Dublin has been offered a site for its school that is outside its catchment area. If the school moves to that site, it will lose half its enrolment, but if it does not move, it will be pushed back down the list. We seem to have a situation where the Department asks what sites are available, what schools want a site and decides a school should go to one of these sites regardless of the school catchment area and where people live.

I will finish with a plea for consultation. It is vital the Department continues to consult all relevant parties. I am aware the commission on school accommodation has failed to meet trustees and education partners for three years. Why do we have a situation where boards of management are told to prepare for building while trustees are not spoken to until the last minute? This is a sign of bad planning and communication and I hope it ends soon.