asked the Minister for Education if he will state the number of national schools which require (a) to be replaced by new schools, and (b) structural alterations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Schools.
I am advised that there are approximately 650 national schools which require to be replaced by new schools. Grants have been sanctioned by my Department for the erection of new buildings in 160 of these cases and work is in progress in 90 of them.
I am also advised that there are approximately 170 schools at which extensive structural alterations, etc., are required. Grants have been sanctioned by my Department towards the cost of the necessary schemes in 50 of these cases and work is in progress in 30 of them.
Would the Minister mind calling the attention of the Board of Works to the figures which he has now disclosed and to the necessity for replacing these hundreds of schools before they engage in the exhilarating task of demolishing Dublin Castle?
The Deputy is vehemently opposed to any scheme of public works in Dublin.
I want these hovels which masquerade as schools replaced.
Why did you not build them?
We built more in three years than you did in 15 years and will do so again, but it will not be with the stones from Dublin Castle.
Will Deputies allow me to proceed with the questions?