asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that in Enniscorthy there is only one boys' school, namely, the Christian Brothers' School; that this school is not capable of holding all the pupils and that the Christian Brothers have had to rent and furnish two rooms outside the school as extra accommodation; furthermore, if he is aware that this school is in a deplorable condition of repair, and that a position was selected some years ago for a new building on the site of the old model school, which has attached to it a good field which would be available as a playground; and whether he will have a full inquiry into the matter immediately with a view to erecting a new school to meet the requirements of the town of Enniscorthy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Accommodation in Enniscorthy.
I am aware of the fact that the Christian Brothers' School in Enniscorthy, which is the only boys' national school in the town, is not properly ventilated or lighted and is generally unsuitable.
Schemes for the adaptation of the mode! school premises to accommodate the pupils of the Christian Brothers' Schools were under consideration immediately before the present emergency, but it was found that the most satisfactory solution of the problem would be the provision of an entirely new schoolhouse. Negotiations for the leasing of portion of the model school premises by the Christian Brothers for a national school had been initiated when, owing to the outbreak of the war, further action in the matter was postponed.
I will have the question reopened with a view to seeing whether in present circumstances it will be possible to expedite the erection of a new building and whether anything can be done in the meantime to remedy the more outstanding defects in the present school premises pending the erection of a new school.
I hope the Minister will see his way to have this job done as soon as possible. A very short time ago the urban council had to provide two rooms to accommodate over 150 boys. I should like the Minister to get to work immediately on this project. I suggest that steps should be taken at once in order to have this school ready for the post-war period.