Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Tá sórt náire orm nach bhfuil nuacht níos fearr ag an Aire Stáit dom sa chás seo. I already knew everything the Minister of State has told me. I know about the high birth rate between 2007 and 2013. The school in question has experienced 100% growth in attendance. I will make a final point and ask a final question.

I appreciate that the Minister of State is speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, and I am aware of his commitment to education. If this school has to wait until 2015 or 2016 for a new building, it will be too late. It would be short-sighted of the Department to take such an approach in this case. A brand new school may well be needed to accommodate the 300 children and the further 81 who are expected next year. The school is located on a site of less than half an acre and has no more room for buildings. As I said, most of us have half an acre at home. The school has to organise five staggered breaks and infant classes do not have any play time. If the school is not moved up the scale to allow the project to begin in 2014 and be completed in September of that year, it will be a shame and a national disgrace. The only good line in the Minister of State's reply was "the Department will be in direct contact with the school". I hope that contact will bring better news than the statement we have just heard. Will the Minister of State mention the importance of the issue I have raised to the Minister if he gets an opportunity to do so? That is all I am asking.