asked the Minister for Education on what grounds it is proposed to transfer the metal-work teachers' training course from Ringsend to Bolton Street, Dublin.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Teachers' Training Centre.
42.
asked the Minister for Education if he will give the basis of the decision of his Department to propose the transfer of the course for the training of teachers of metal-work from Ringsend Technical School to the College of Technology, Bolton Street, Dublin, next September; if he is aware of the loss of status and income affecting the teachers concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
The decision to transfer the metal-work teacher training course from Ringsend to Bolton Street, Dublin, has been taken in order to provide better accommodation and facilities for the course.
The adjustments in the staffing arrangements arising from the proposed transfer are under consideration.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that there is not in fact a problem of accommodation in this respect and that the only reason that could be elicited from the relevant officials for the move was on the grounds that there was no library available and that when it was pointed out to them that other officials of the Department had co-operated in providing a building for a library and that there was a library which is in full, active use, no other reason was put forward and that nobody in Ringsend can find any reason for the move from where the course now is? In these circumstances would the Parliamentary Secretary look at the matter again and see if the situation cannot be left as it is until somebody thinks up a good reason for changing it?
My information is not in accordance with what the Deputy suggests. I think it has been indicated why the accommodation was not adequate and suitable. I should not like to convey the notion here by giving any other reply that the whole matter would be looked at again. I think people are aware of the fact that the building is old, that the roof is not in very good condition and that there are other reasons also, as has been indicated.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it would be desirable, if there was some reason other than the erroneous assumption about the library, to convey that to the people at Ringsend? It would at least be courteous——
If that is the case. I am not sure that it is.
That is my information. Would he also agree that there is a problem of overcrowding in Bolton Street already and therefore the move would only make the position worse, not better?
The whole arrangement at Bolton Street will have to be looked at.