(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance the present position with regard to Milltown School, County Cavan; when storage heaters will be provided in the existing school and the cause of the delay in providing them; when tenders will be accepted for the new school; and when the school will be ready for occupation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan School Heating.
20.
Rather than carry out temporary works to the existing Milltown school the Minister for Education asked the Commissioners of Public Works to give priority to the erection of the new school. In the circumstances storage heaters were not installed but I understand that the reverend manager has provided oil heaters there. Tenders for the new school are receivable up to the 7th December and it is hoped to place a contract early in the New Year.
(Cavan): Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it was arranged that storage heaters would be put in, that there was a long delay in providing any heat in the school and, as a result, grave hardship was inflicted on the pupils? Could the Parliamentary Secretary also tell me when he expects the new school will be completed and ready for occupation?
What the Deputy says is correct. Originally it was agreed that storage heaters would be installed but, when further consideration was given to the matter, it was decided to give priority to the erection of a new school and, unless unforeseen snages occur, the new school will be ready about May 1972.
(Cavan): My information is that the school, when I was asked to put down this question about a week ago, was like an icebox. There was no heating of any description in it. Will the Parliamentary Secretary cause inquiries to be made and ensure that some satisfactory heating system, even of a temporary nature, is installed?
I will do that, but my information is that oil heaters have been supplied.