Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State. Much progress is being made on the ongoing issue of the provision of second level education in Kinvara, in south Galway. On behalf of the community of Kinvara and its hinterland, I thank the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, and his predecessor, Deputy Hanafin, for their input in ensuring we retain the high standard of second level education that is provided in Kinvara.

Last month the Minister, Deputy O'Keeffe, informed us that his Department had reached an agreement in principle regarding the leasing of the current Seamount College from the Mercy trustees. That would be seen as an interim measure with a view to being able to provide a new co-educational facility on lands in Kinvara to serve Kinvara and the people of south Galway. That is a most welcome development in that it provides an interim solution for what is effectively a long-term problem. I hope that in the interim, while that leasing arrangement is in place, the Department will continue to actively seek and acquire a site for a new school in Kinvara.

The issue that concerns those people in Kinvara who have been at the helm of this campaign for many years is the need for more information on that leasing arrangement. The Department commissioned a report which produced the following information in January 2008. The report concluded that a co-educational post-primary school to serve approximately 800 students should be provided in the northern environs of Kinvara and that this school should cater for Kinvara and its catchment area.

It is my hope that the leasing arrangement in place will in time allow for such a co-educational facility to be provided, initially on the grounds Seamount College currently occupies and eventually in a new, purpose built school in Kinvara to serve that area and its hinterland. I look forward to the Minister's response and thank him again for attending.