Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was. There is no better place to be for the summer. I thank the Minister for giving of his time. The meeting was a positive step and put the topic on the table. It has been on the agenda for over ten years. The current school was designed to accommodate 250 pupils in 1974 but the original design was never completed. The school is in poor condition. A detailed technical evaluation showed that the school building was unsuitable. Two independent studies were carried out in 2000 and in 2003. The second study concluded that the problems identified with the building were such that they could not be resolved except through the provision of a new building. The conclusion was accepted by the Department of Education and Science in 2003. The problem is not resolved. Following on from the meeting between Community School Initiative: Clifden and the Minister, there is a new plan for special consideration for school projects in isolated areas, as opposed to areas with population growth. The Minister mentioned a plan to take into account schools in isolated areas so that criteria can be used for selection and advancement on the five-year list for schools in isolated areas. Does the Minister of State have any news on this?

We are living in unprecedented economic circumstances but a new school for the area is a priority. If one uses the criteria for population growth to get new schools on the list, one will be waiting forever for Clifden. With unemployment, emigration and location on the western seaboard, the existing criteria alone cannot be used. I ask the Minister to take into account criteria other than population growth. He should also consider the isolation of the area and outline the new criteria used.

I ask the Minister of State to explain the timeline of when this project will be realistic. Plans come and plans go and five-year plans are developed. This project is not currently included in the five-year plan. Some projects may be cancelled or will not go ahead and if other criteria are used now that were not used in the past, perhaps the Minister can explain the timeline envisaged for the commencement or completion of the new school. I do not want it on the back burner. I thank the Minister for meeting Community School Initiative: Clifden but meetings are one thing whereas actions are another. I want to see some follow-up. I ask the Minister of State for a timeline and hope he has the information in time to respond to this Adjournment debate. If not, perhaps he can e-mail or write to me.