asked the Minister for Education what is the present position in relation to the provision of new schools at Ring Commons, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Schools.
206.
I have already announced as a matter of policy my intention, where feasible, to close smaller schools and provide transport services for the pupils concerned to larger schools.
In connection with the implementation of that policy my Department is carrying out a full investigation with a view to determining the future arrangements for the provision of suitable educational facilities for the children living in the Ring area, County Dublin. Pending the results of that investigation, further consideration in regard to the building of a new school has been postponed. This case is being treated as one of great urgency and a decision in the matter will not be delayed.
207.
asked the Minister for Education what is the present position regarding the erection of a new national school at Derrinagree, Mallow, County Cork.
A suitable site has been obtained and sketch plans have been prepared for the erection of a new national school at Derrinagree. My Department expects to be in a position to sanction a grant towards the cost of the new building in the near future.
208.
asked the Minister for Education what is the present position regarding the erection of a new national school at Derrygallen, Dromtariffe, County Cork.
I have already announced as a matter of policy my intention, where feasible, to close smaller schools and provide transport services for the pupils concerned to larger schools.
In connection with the implementation of that policy my Department is carrying out a full investigation with a view to determining the future arrangements for the provision of suitable educational facilities for the children living in the Derrygallen area of County Cork. Pending the results of that investigation further consideration in regard to the building of a new school has been postponed.
209.
asked the Minister for Education if it is a fact that the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee have been instructed by his Department not to proceed with the building of a vocational school at Clondalkin because of the shortage of money at the present time.
It is not a fact that the building of the vocational school at Clondalkin has been deferred because of shortage of money.
My Department has informed the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee that the proposal for the building of the school must be considered in conjunction with the result of a survey which I have instituted in relation to the existing provision for post-primary education throughout the country and the needs which must be met in particular areas.
210.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that a proposal to erect a new vocational school at Clondalkin, County Dublin has been unduly delayed; and if he will make an explanatory statement.
I am not aware that a proposal to erect a new vocational school at Clondalkin, County Dublin, has been unduly delayed in my Department. My Department informed the committee on 15th October, 1965, that the proposal for the building of the school must be considered in conjunction with a survey which I have instituted in relation to the existing provision for post-primary education throughout the country and the needs which must be met in particular areas.
Would the Minister say how long it will take to complete this survey?
It is difficult to say. I would hope certainly within the next twelve months. It may be sooner than that. I do not want to commit myself.
It will probably be later?
No, I think it will probably be earlier.
211.
asked the Minister for Education whether there are any plans before his Department for the provision of a vocational school in Clifden, County Galway.
There are no actual plans before my Department for the provision of a vocational school in Clifden, County Galway, but there is a proposal from the committee, together with certain statistics which my Department had requested. The proposal will be considered in conjunction with a survey which I have instituted in relation to the existing provision for post-primary education throughout the country and the needs at that level which must be met in particular areas.