asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether it is his intention to assist and encourage the organisation of educational and recreational facilities for persons who have been deprived of their employment as a result of the present emergency, and who are awaiting their reabsorption into employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Educational and Recreational Facilities for Disemployed Persons.
As regards educational facilities for persons who are over the ordinary age for school attendance, I would direct the Deputy's attention to the facilities provided by the responsible local vocational education committees. I do not think that any assistance or encouragement of mine is required for the organisation of recreational facilities.
Is the Minister aware that there is at present a tendency for a large problem of this kind to arise, and will he see that some arrangement, particularly in large centres, is made with the vocational education committees to help them to provide special facilities of this kind. It will, I am sure, be understood by the Minister that in an emergency period like the present, some definite attempt is wanted to link up persons who become idle, and who are likely to be idle for a considerable time, with some kind of educational or vocational activity. I ask the Minister further to consider whether direct initiative on his part is not necessary in this matter in large centres.
I will see that the attention of the Department is directed to the remarks of the Deputy.