asked the Minister for Education (a) when the new national schools at Little Island will be built, (b) if the Commissioners of Public Works have yet been asked to report on the proposed site, and (c) whether, in view of the impossible conditions under which teachers have to endeavour to conduct classes there, the erection of the schools will be treated as a matter of urgency by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Little Island (Cork) National Schools.
The site offered by the former manager was not regarded as suitable for new schools for boys and girls which are required to replace the existing Little Island national school.
The present manager has offered an alternative site for new schools and the Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to furnish a report as to its suitability. I understand from the commissioners that they consider that the site is satisfactory and that the preparation of sketch plans of the new schools is in hands. When the commissioners' report on the site and the sketch plans have been received certain preliminary arrangements will have to be made before a grant towards the cost of the erection of the schools can be sanctioned and before a contract can be placed. These arrangements will necessarily take a considerable time to complete and I am unable to say at present when building operations will be commenced.
I am aware of the urgency of the need for the new schools and the Deputy may rest assured that the case will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.