andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for Education if he will state in respect of the new regional technical college in Athlone (a) the subjects which will be taught with particular reference to subjects of a technical character and (b) the size of the school and the number it will accommodate; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Regional Technical College.
42.
(a) It is proposed to teach in the regional technical college in Athlone subjects related to the following courses:
(i) Two- and three-year senior cycle post-primary courses leading to leaving certificate with a special bias towards commerce, science and technical subjects;
(ii) Junior and senior trade certificate courses in carpentry and joinery, mechanical engineering and automobile engineering;
(iii) Courses for technician qualifications in building construction and services, automobile engineering, commerce and textiles;
(iv) Courses for apprentices in the distributive trade; and
(v) Courses related to agriculture.
(b) The college, when completed, will provide a total floor space of approximately 97,000 square feet and will have 58 teaching rooms. It is being planned to accommodate 1,160 students.
(c) I expect that the college will open for classes next September, as scheduled. The building operation is being phased over a number of years and it will not be fully operational until 1974-75.
The main long-term function of the college is to educate for trade and industry including farming, over a broad spectrum of occupations, notably in engineering and science but also in commercial, linguistic, art and design and other specialities. The short-term aim will be to provide courses for the purpose of filling gaps in the industrial manpower structure, particularly in the technician field. Local needs will determine the necessity for specific courses and adult education courses. Accordingly, no final rigid pattern of courses has been fixed.
While welcoming the Minister back and being glad to see him looking hale and hearty after his tight squeeze, I should like to know will there be any course in escapology in this school.
That is a separate question.
Next business.