asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the need for a comprehensive school in the Dublin suburban area of Manor Estate-Perrystown-Greenhills-Walkinstown where it is estimated that the demand for school vacancies will build up to 1,500 within the next five years; and of the grave problem now facing school authorities and parents in this district because of the present heavy demand for secondary education and the difficulty of securing school places for students; and if he will make a statement on his Department's plans to meet fully this urgent and growing development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Comprehensive School Need.
48.
Representations have been made to my Department as to the need for the provision of additional post-primary education facilities in the area in question. The matter is at present under active consideration and it is hoped to reach a decision at an early date. I might mention, however, that a new school with accommodation initially for 400 girls is at present in course of erection in the area, and that a new vocational school with accommodation for 400 boys has been sanctioned.
Can the Minister say what constitutes an early date in this case? He appreciates that this is a matter which should be looked into right away? Could he also say where the so-called Minister for Education is today? He should be here.
That is a separate question.
I would require notice in respect of the second question.
Forgive the use of the adjective.
The position is as I have stated. Already one school with initial accommodation for 400 girls is in the course of construction and a vocational school with accommodation for 400 boys has been sanctioned. In addition to this, the advisory committee on post-primary education accommodation in the Dublin area, set up a few years ago in the Department of Education, is holding a meeting with the educational authority in the area. The meeting will take place tomorrow morning to pursue further the details of the future requirements in the area.