asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that Laois Vocational Education Committee have no money to put into full operation next September the new vocational school at Mountmellick; that teachers and staff are required in other schools under the Committee; and that because of the shortage of money the necessary staff cannot be employed; if, in view of the fact that the Committee have asked him to meet a deputation in relation to their problems, he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter; and if he will make a general statement concerning it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mountmellick Vocational School.
39.
I am not aware that the circumstances of the County Laois Vocational Education Committee are as represented in the Deputy's question.
The Committee's statutory annual financial scheme for 1966-67, as furnished to my Department in November, 1965, showed a prospective deficit as on 31st March, 1967. Special State grants to the extent of two-thirds of this deficit have been notified to the committee who have been requested to re-examine their scheme with a view to effecting such economies as would eliminate the remaining one-third of the prospective deficit. The necessary economies would be less than 4 per cent of the committee's proposed total expenditure.
I have not yet received the committee's proposals following re-examination of the annual financial scheme.
I should add that the committee's accounts for 1965-66, which reached my Department on 29th April, 1966, disclose a deficit as on 31st March, 1966, which is substantially greater than that indicated in the financial scheme submitted in November, 1965. An explanation of this matter is being requested from the committee.
Pending receipt of the information sought from the committee, I am not in a position to make a general statement as requested by the Deputy.