asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that participation in secondary level education in County Donegal is the lowest in Ireland, he will offer special assistance to expand secondary level education in the county, bearing in mind that the national average is 39.8 per cent, that Dublin's average is 42.2 per cent and that Donegal's average is only 25.8 per cent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Secondary Education.
40.
The percentage participation rates referred to by the Deputy — and this is relevant to the Deputy's last supplementaries — are in respect of the school year 1962-63 when 3,561 pupils in County Donegal attended second level schools. Since then the participation rates have increased substantially and for the school year 1967-68 there are 4,857 pupils attending post-primary schools, that is, an increase of almost 37 per cent.
Much additional accommodation has been provided in recent years particularly by way of prefabricated classrooms and sanction has been given for the provision of 1,675 extra places at schools in the county. May I add for the Deputy's information that of the six State comprehensive schools already sanctioned two of them — Glenties and Raphoe — are being provided in County Donegal, because of the excellent representation we have in our Government from that county?
May I point out that Investment in Education——
The Deputy may not quote at Question Time.
In view of the fact that the national average in Donegal is the lowest in the country, does he think it consistent that he should now direct the vocational committee there to abandon proposals to build a school even in Creeslough?
The Deputy can read my reply at his leisure over the weekend.
I have given the Minister the figures. He is sliding away from them.
If it is true that Donegal has the lowest national average, is that not a reflection on Fianna Fáil Deputies in view of what the Minister said a minute ago?
Over five years the numbers attending post-primary institutions are the highest percentage in the country.
It is still the lowest national average.
I am talking about the past five years.
They are still the same. Donegal has the lowest average in the country.
There has been an increase of 37 per cent.
Would the Minister tell us why he has told the vocational committee in Donegal to abandon the proposals——
Would the Deputy allow Questions to continue?
The Deputy is looking after your interests, too, Sir.
That is a disorderly remark.
That is an improper remark for a Member of this House to make.
The Deputy is a good judge of improper remarks.
I have listened to Deputy Harte.
Now, Old Mischief.
No better judge in this House.