asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that 90 schools per year become obsolete and that one-fifth of all schools are obsolete, he will state what steps he will take to reduce the reported average delay of 12½ years between the decision to replace an obsolete school and the date of completion of the new school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Obsolete Schools.
34.
The principal element of delay in arrangements for building a new primary school is the procuring of a suitable site and the establishment of title to the site. Inspectors of my Department and officers of the Commissioners of Public Works offer assistance and advice to school managers on the selection of sites. My Department also helps managers, where possible, in hastening the legal procedures connected with the establishment of title.
Negotiations as to local contribution and State grant are, in an increasing degree, carried out by direct consultation between the school managers and officers of my Department and, as a result, decisions are reached more rapidly.
Accelerated building methods and a degree of standardisation of school plans have also helped towards reducing delay in providing new school buildings.
In cases arising in recent years the lapse of time between the decision to replace an obsolete school and the average date of completion is nearer six years than 12½ years, and I shall exercise every endeavour to reduce that period still further.
Would the Minister agree that the reason is that in 1931 or 1932, taking his own figures last week, 21.8 per cent of the national income was spent on education whereas only 14.1 per cent is spent——
We are spending £52½ million in the current year and that is 2½ times what it was five years ago.
Would the Minister not agree that he is only spending two-thirds of what was being spent in 1932 out of the national income on education?
(Interruptions.)
There was no social welfare in 1932.
Does the Deputy want all the figures in regard to the substantial number of new schools built or reconstructed, the number of primary and post-primary schools provided and the facilities given at vocational and university level as well as the increase in social welfare and health services and housing — the whole gamut of action an the part of successive Fianna Fáil Governments?
I asked the Minister a question about the erection of schools.
Question No. 35.
Would the Minister state what steps are being taken to remedy this position?
I have called Question No. 35.
With your consent, a Cheann Comhairle, I want to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
That will teach him to be civil.
Would Deputy Harte please allow the Minister to answer his own question? Question No. 35.