Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I echo what my colleague, Senator O'Toole, said about the need for a debate on the system whereby schools are approved for works and the current opaque system but I would like to ask specifically for a debate on the state of our schools. Senator O'Toole is right. We come into this House with specific requests for explanations on the Adjournment about the plans for particular schools but in many ways we believe we are engaging in some kind of pretence because in raising the matter on the Adjournment we get stock answers. Whole sections of responses to Adjournment matters appear to have been cut and pasted whereby the Minister thanks the person raising the matter for the opportunity to explain what the Department of Education and Science is doing in regard to schools.

One could mention many cases. When I visited a school for approximately 90 minutes a few months ago, I witnessed the appalling state of affairs there. I have since learned that, on the resumption of the school year, a teacher in the school was close to tears as, yet again, she had to mop up after floods and get rid of insects. I could mention all sorts of circumstances, which are contrary to human dignity, in which we are educating the next generation. I ask for a debate not just on the issue Senator O'Toole has raised, but also on the specific issue of the state of our schools. Now that we are in a downturn, do we intend to neglect the next generation, which comprise the most important section of society? I refer in particular to those who have to endure appalling and disrespectful conditions in our schools.

Speaking of disrespect, I would like to mention an issue that has been raised by Deputies Higgins and Shortall in the Dáil. I refer to the treatment of some people by immigration officials as they try to enter the State. We are all aware of what happened to Fr. John Achebe recently. The responses given by the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, when this case was raised in the Dáil were not adequate. We have to be concerned about this human dignity issue. How are people treated when they come to this State? If people are essentially dealt with on the basis of the colour of their skin, does the potential not exist for some form of veiled racism? I do not accuse all immigration officials of racism. Some people are essentially treated as suspect. If the slightest misunderstanding develops, they are sent to Cloverhill Prison. A man from India was treated in this manner after he won a holiday in Ireland as part of a tourism promotion initiative. Is that any way to deal with human beings? When questions are raised, is it acceptable——