asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a statement reported on Monday 26th September and attributed to him regarding a survey of accommodation in the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee regional schools and the availability of grants for two prefabricated buildings; and if, having regard to the fact that the Vocational Education Committee received no prior notice of this survey or the availability of grants up to the conclusion of their meeting on 29th September, he will now state why they were not advised where the two prefabricated schools are being located; and if he will state when these two schools are being erected, and the number of extra students for whom accommodation will be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Vocational School Accommodation.
19.
Mr. O'Malley
The provision of the prefabricated classrooms referred to in my statement of 26th September, 1966, is a matter in the first instance for the City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee. Officers of the committee were informed on 30th August, 1966, of the commencement of the survey and on 23rd September, 1966 of the intention to make the statement and of the readiness to make the capital allocation for the prefabricated classrooms. The question of the sitting of the classrooms was discussed with officers of the committee on 23rd and on the 26th September, 1966. It is for the committee, however, to formulate specific proposals in this matter for submission to the Department.
Would the Minister be surprised to learn that at the last meeting of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee the officers of the committee denied any prior knowledge of a survey?
Mr. O'Malley
I know a bit about that. I think it was a play on words, an interpretation. My information is that on the 4th of this month the CEO told my Department that he was asked at the committee meeting if he had any official intimation from the Department in regard to the allocation of the prefabricated structures. He replied "No". My department was in touch with him by telephone and informed him of the official position and approval. When we asked him why he informed the committee that he had no information about the sanction and approval, he said that he had not received a letter and because, he said, he had not got a letter, he thought that a telephone call should not be regarded as intimation. It was just a play on words.
Is the Minister aware that the first indication given to the school concerned was when an inspector arrived to take measurements? That is hardly a play on words.
Mr. O'Malley
There is obviously a clash on what happened here. The only thing I could offer to do would be to give a full report to the Deputy and if he still thinks I am wrong, he might let me know.
Thank you.