asked the Minister for Education the reasons why his Department will not approve the application from Borrisokane vocational school, County Tipperary, for a leaving certificate class; and if, in view of the special circumstances obtaining in this area, he will reconsider this decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Leaving Certificate Courses.
43.
At a regional meeting between officers of the Department and chief executive officers of vocational education committees held in Limerick on 30th April, 1970, it was agreed that leaving certificate courses would be provided at four vocational schools in Tipperary North Riding. These schools were in Thurles, Nenagh, Newport and Roscrea. The County Tipperary NR Vocational Education Committee made representations to me this year that Borrisokane should be recognised as a leaving certificate centre and I received a deputation from them on the matter last month. Taking account of the range of subjects which is necessary to cater for varying choices, the need to provide pass and honours level courses and the cost in terms of teachers, buildings and equipment it is not feasible to provide leaving certificate courses in a centre of the size of Borrisokane. I have informed the committee accordingly.
Would the Minister not agree that there are very special circumstances in Borrisokane in that the annual number of students leaving the area for post-primary centres outside of it is 35, that this is higher than the usual number sitting for leaving certificate courses in many centres throughout the country and that the annual intake into the vocational schools, which is 65, reflects the potential growth of the centre and that in view of this he might have the matter reopened?
I took all the points made by the Deputy into consideration. I had a long discussion with a deputation from Borrisokane and went into all these aspects of the matter but I regret that in the circumstances I do not think it is feasible to provide leaving certificate courses there.
No luck.