asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the Skibbereen Vocational School has not received any coupons or permits for the purchase of such rationed articles as butter, sugar, soap, paraffin oil, piece goods in cotton and linen, all of which are very necessary for the carrying on of the work of the classes; and if he will issue the necessary permits to enable these commodities to be procured for the successful functioning of this important school.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies for Skibbereen Vocational School.
Up to a few days ago, when I received representations on behalf of the school, no application had at any stage been received in my Department from the Skibbereen Vocational School for facilities to purchase any of the rationed articles mentioned by the Deputy.
In the case of paraffin oil, an allocation is made available to the County Cork Vocational Education Committee for use in the committee's schools during the winter months. It is, accordingly, to the vocational education committee that the Skibbereen Vocational School should look for supplies.
Owing to the scarcity of supplies of butter, permits to purchase creamery butter are not granted for domestic economy classes. Non-creamery butter may be obtained direct from a producer without restriction. If the vocational school wishes to purchase non-creamery butter from a licensed butter trader a permit will be issued by my Department on application being made.
In the case of sugar, the grant of permits to vocational schools depends on the circumstances in each particular case. The case of the Skibbereen Vocational School will be considered on its merits if an application is made to my Department.
Soap is made available to vocational schools only for use in laundry classes. If a laundry class is carried on at the Skibbereen Vocational School facilities for the purchase of soap will be granted on application being made.
In the case of textile piece goods, no special facilities are granted to vocational schools for the purchase of supplies. The pupils are required to utilise their own clothing coupons for the purchase of materials as the articles made in the classes remain the property of the pupils.