asked the Minister for Education if he will make a full statement on the present position with regard to the planned comprehensive schools, including the date at which he expects the schools already announced to be put into operation; what further schools of this type are at present planned; and what surveys are being carried out to ascertain the need for this type of school in various areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Comprehensive Schools.
38.
Sketch plans for two of the four comprehensive schools already announced have been approved and working drawings are being prepared with a view to the invitation of tenders for the projects. Sketch plans for a third school are under examination and the appointment of an architect to prepare sketch plans for the fourth school will be made at an early date.
I have set September, 1966, as the target for the opening of this first group of comprehensive schools and I expect that this target will be achieved.
As regards the other matters raised in the question, while a number of surveys in relation to other areas are proceeding I do not feel that it would be in the public interest to give details of the areas concerned until such surveys are completed.