asked the Minister for Education if he will state what progress has been made regarding the provision of a new school at Kinsealy, Malahide; and if he is aware that it is not possible for a big number of children to be admitted to the existing schools; and that the existing schools are in an insanitary condition.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kinsealy School.
I am aware that the Kinsealy boys' and girls' national schools, though structurally sound, are generally unsuitable, and overcrowded. My Department has been in communication with the manager, who has offered a site for the erection of a new school. The site is being examined by the Commissioners of Public Works and if it is found to be suitable my Department will communicate with the manager with a view to the replacement of the existing premises as soon as possible. In the meantime the question of having some temporary works carried out to remedy the more outstanding defects in the present schools is being considered.
Following investigations recently made by the Department's district inspector, it appears that there are no children of school-going age in the district who are not attending school. There are, however, about 35 children in the area who have not yet reached school-going age. Sufficient accommodation will be provided in the new building to cater for all the children of school-going age in the school area.
Will the Minister not save the area the cost of the repairs to the present school by expediting the building of the new school? Is the Minister aware that the 35 children to whom he referred will be of school-going age inside the next 12 months or so and can he give any guarantee that the new school will be erected by that time?
In the meantime some structural alterations will be carried out and it is hoped that these will make adequate provision for any additional children.
Is it not a waste of money to carry out repairs? Why do you not expedite the building of the new school?