Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

I am sure the Minister is more than aware of the serious requirement in south Galway for the provision of a new second level facility. A very active and committed group of parents and staff in Seamount College has spent almost two years gathering an irrefutable raft of evidence which certainly makes a very strong case for such a facility. Her officials and staff have agreed that is very much the case.

Only a few months ago, the Minister kindly gave a commitment to provide such a facility in the environs of Kinvara in recognition that it was the right place to locate it and of the strong and proud tradition of second level education there. With that commitment, the Sisters of Mercy have agreed to once again begin an intake of students into Seamount College and we hope it will continue.

The commitment is that the school will be operational by 2012. I would appreciate it if the Minister would bring us up to date. What progress is being made in regard to the acquisition of a site for the school in Kinvara?