John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

Senator Ross is correct to mention that a school principal, parent or pupil should be able to look at the departmental website and see where they are on the waiting list for additional school buildings.

Senators Ross and O'Reilly were among the previous speakers who mentioned the perception of stroke pulling in the area of providing new school buildings. Whether it exists in reality, the perception exists. If the Government is to do anything, it is essential that it no longer allows the provision of school buildings, whether at primary or secondary level, to be a political football. It is clear to me a points system needs to be put in place. Senator Dan Boyle mentioned a band system, which is not mentioned in the amendment. Perhaps the Minister for Education and Science mentioned it. Some local authorities operate housing lists on the basis of a weighted or points system. This type of system for school buildings should be put in place. There is an urban-rural conflict. Senator McFadden referred to urban areas such as Athlone where the population has increased greatly in the past ten years, leading to a scarcity of school facilities. In many cases schools in urban areas have been provided with prefabricated buildings which is a short-term measure, whereas schools in rural areas have problems with loss of teachers, dilapidated buildings and infestation by all sorts of undesirable creatures.

This motion is clear in its intent and I endorse it wholeheartedly. I congratulate the Independent Senators for tabling it and it would be beneficial to the provision of educational facilities and services if it were to be adopted by the Government. I am disappointed at the mealy-mouthed amendment proposed by the Government.