asked the Minister for Education what proposals are before his Department to cater for the additional numbers of children who will avail themselves of secondary education under the proposed new scheme for free education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Secondary Education.
40.
Mr. O'Malley
I am having arrangements made to ensure that whatever number of extra places are required in secondary and vocational schools next September will be provided. In this regard, however, I wish to stress that while I am prepared to guarantee a place in a post-primary school for every child who seeks it, I cannot guarantee choice of school.
Has the Minister any Estimate of the number of students becoming available for this type of education in September?
Mr. O'Malley
I calculated that free education will be available to 61,500 secondary day-school students and I calculate that about 110,000 will qualify for free education next September, although I may be out somewhat in the figure.
And education will be available for these, either technical or secondary?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes, and for some secondary tops as well.
Has the Minister made any further progress in his negotiations with certain interested parties?
Mr. O'Malley
Things have improved a great deal.
Is the Minister aware of the unusual circumstances likely to arise in areas where accommodation for primary school students is unsatisfactory and where they are forced to go to secondary schools for their primary education? That means that the primary students in these schools will be paying and the secondary students will not.
Mr. O'Malley
I am not conversant with that side of the business but I will look into it.