Slow pace of reform - Delays are threatening our future

EARLIER this week the plight of Glenville National School was highlighted where, just like the situation in hundreds of other communities across the country, the local school is no longer capable of providing the service it, and everyone involved with it, would wish.

This is despite receiving a promise a decade ago that a new school would be built. That good news was confirmed through the “personal assurance” of Education Minister Mary Hanafin in 2006, she wrote promising work would begin with “immediate effect”.

Nothing has happened.

In the Dáil on Wednesday Taoiseach Bertie Ahern expressed surprise that Glenville had not availed of all the funding options.

Accepting that he did not know all the details of the 4,500 school projects under way — could anyone? — he expressed surprise the school had not used opportunities presented “under the summer works projects or get a position on the capital programme...”.

Why would they? They had Ms Hanafin’s assurance and a date, did they need more? They had been accepted and like so many other schools they remain in limbo waiting for promises to be turned into classrooms.

Waffle indeed.

Yesterday, a list of 22 new primary schools expected to open in September was published by Ms Hanafin.

Naturally enough, Glenville and so many others like it was not included.

The 22 comprised of 12 multi-denominational, five Catholic denominational (three of which are gaelscoileanna); one inter-denominational primary school and four special schools. Leinster will get 13, Munster and Connacht four each and one for Ulster.

Though the minister promised to spend €586 million on buildings this year The Star of the Sea School, in Passage West, Co Cork, remains firmly rooted on the “to do” list, where it has been for years.

Briarhill NS in Galway and Blennerville NS in Tralee have been told again that their time has not yet come. Newcastle NS in Athenry, has been on the list for almost 12 years but not a sausage.

Though huge amounts of money are being spent on education — university funding up 24% from €675m in 2005 to €836m last year — so much seems to remain undone.

Just as the litany of despair caused by drink will not be cut by this week’s alcohol policy; just as each week brings a new in crisis in health our education system rumbles on with those involved disappointed and frustrated.

The common theme is the tremendous length of time it takes to get things done.

The delays are having far too great an impact on the country’s ability to sustain itself and are encouraging a cynicism and negativity that is damaging.

At various points in his lap of honour Mr Ahern has accepted that change comes dripping far too slowly and that this remains a great source of frustration for him. Surely one of the primary functions of leadership is to facilitate change? So, who was in charge for the last 11 years? This culture of delay will have to be confronted sooner or later if this is to remain a viable economy.

Over to you Taoiseach Cowen.