asked the Minister for Education whether the arrangements for the opening of the proposed preparatory colleges are yet complete, and, if so, whether he will say how many preparatory colleges are now in operation; if not, whether he will say when it is expected that any or all of them will be opened, and how soon is it intended to summon the candidates who have been awarded places in these colleges.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PREPARATORY COLLEGES.
None of the proposed preparatory colleges are yet in operation.
Arrangements for the opening of three of the preparatory colleges are nearing completion, and it is expected that the college for Catholic boys in Dublin will be opened during the week commencing the 21st instant, and the college for Catholic girls at Ventry, near Dingle, during the week commencing the 28th instant. Summonses are being issued to the students whom it is proposed to call to these colleges.
Temporary premises for the preparatory college in Dublin for Protestant students are now almost ready, and it is hoped to open this college shortly.
Ballyconnell House, Felcarragh, the building intended for the college in Tirconaill for Catholic girls, is not yet ready for the reception of students. The question of the provision of temporary accommodation for the students proposed to be called to this college is under consideration.
Arising out of that reply, will the Minister state what is the position with regard to the preparatory colleges which it is proposed to open up in the West?
The position as regards the preparatory college or colleges that it is intended to open up in the West is that up to the present the matter has been delayed owing to the difficulty of finding a site or building fully suitable.
Could not the Minister make an effort to provide temporary accomodation for the preparatory colleges until such time as a suitable permanent building could be had?
Yes. I will consider the matter of finding temporary accommodation, but the question arises as to where the temporary accommodation can be found. That is one of the difficulties.