Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, to the House. I thank my colleague, Senator O'Reilly, for sharing time and commend him on raising this matter on the Adjournment.

I am glad to have the opportunity to make a brief contribution on the need to provide additional funding towards essential improvement works at St. Phelim's national school in Bailieborough. My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, made strong representations in support of the permanent accommodation scheme 2007 application submitted to the Department of Education and Science by the board of management. Thankfully, that application was successful and the building project is under way at the school, funded under that scheme. I am aware my colleague has made representations to the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, in regard to obtaining additional funding to carry out improvement works, so eloquently outlined by Senator O'Reilly. Those works should be undertaken at the same time as the substantial building project that is currently under way.

I ask the Minister of State to consider the provision of additional funding based on the essential works that need to be carried out, as outlined by Senator O'Reilly who has my support in this regard. I urge the Minister of State, through his good offices, to progress the application as soon as possible.