Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

A number of prefabs are old and need to be replaced or refurbished but only 5.5% of total investment in schools relates to prefabs. When I took up office, I thought we should move away from using prefabs and I introduced another scheme for boards of management. If a board of management erects a permanent structure, I will allocate €120,000 for a classroom rather than a prefab. Thankfully, the scheme is working well and people are adapting to it, which is welcome. I will ensure the number of prefabs is reduced as much as possible but, for instance, in developing areas, it was not possible in the past to anticipate the growth in the local population and when a school cannot be built in time, prefabs must be provided to get the school up and running. I have asked my officials to indicate to a school as soon as they can that it will be provided with a prefab as this will give the school authorities time to apply for planning permission and add on to their building.

Senators Ross, Norris and others referred to the Protestant school issue. I sought an opinion from the Attorney General, which stated the system in operation was inequitable and unconstitutional. Protestant schools have a grants system, which is not available to private Catholic schools and if a case had been taken, that would have been found unconstitutional. I had a responsibility to ensure what whatever grant system was provided, it had to be constitutional. I, therefore, met the Protestant bishops at their behest and we agreed on a system of arbitration and an examination of the overall system down the line. The Protestant bloc grant amounts to €6.25 million in the current school year and this payment covers capitation, tuition and boarding grants. This equates to €600 per pupil compared to a capitation grant of €345 per pupil in all other second level schools. Those schools receive a much greater amount than all the other schools receive in capitation. I am not being unfair to them and I have addressed the reality. I have provided for the grant to the Protestant schools to be maintained at the current level. The arrangements, for minority schools, therefore, reflect the importance the Government attaches to ensuring students can attend schools that reflect their denominational ethos.

Many other issues were raised but I will address them on another occasion. I am glad to have had the opportunity to participate in the debate. I am sorry it took so long for me to come to the House because I hold it in the highest respect. I was a Member for a number of years and it contributes greatly to democracy. I am more than willing at all times to attend the House.