asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the serious shortage of schools in areas in Dublin in which a large number of new houses have been erected, and whether he will state what steps, if any, have been taken by the Department of Education to ensure that new schools will be provided for children in areas in which new houses have been or may be erected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Shortage in Dublin Areas.
I am aware of the need for the provision of school accommodation for children in the new housing areas in Dublin. Close attention is being given to the matter by my Department, and everything possible will be done to expedite the erection of the new schools which these housing schemes necessitate. Sites for new schools must, however, be acquired in the first instance by the local managers. In Crumlin district large new schools are in process of erection. Pending their completion, arrangements have been made for the conveyance by bus of the children from this district to schools in other parts of the city.
Would the Minister consider it desirable for his Department to make representations to the local authorities in any case where it is proposed to erect houses to which large numbers of people may be transferred from the existing houses, so as to ensure that the initiative in the matter is taken by the Department and not allow it to depend upon the chance that some other people, including the local manager, may, some time later on, think it necessary to move in the matter?
I will bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind. I think it should be clear to the managers and to the local authorities in large centres of population where clearance schemes are put into operation that provision must be made for schools.
I agree with the Minister, but after all that the solid fact remains that thousands of people are living in these new areas and that there are no schools available for their children. I suggest that in future the Minister will take the initiative in such matters, seeing that leaving the initiative to be taken by other people has in some cases brought no results.