asked the Minister for Education if he will sanction the building of a new Christian Brothers boys' school in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
60.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Schools.
59.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the need to replace the existing Christian Brothers school at Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; if he will provide a grant towards the replacement of the school; if not, why; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
The question of a grant for a new boys' secondary school is being considered in the context of proposals for the rationalisation of post-primary facilities generally in the centre. Arrangements are being made for a deputation from the CBS school council to discuss the position with officials of my Department.
In view of the representations that have been made to the Department by the Christian Brothers since 1967 in relation to the building of a new school, and since the present building was condemned in 1967 and as there is an ideal site adjacent to the girls' school on which the Christian Brothers wish to build, will the Minister reconsider his proposal to establish a community school in Carrick-on-Suir and, instead, sanction the building of a school for the Christian Brothers?
The position is that I must concern myself with the post-primary facilities generally in an area and, as I have pointed out, the officials in my Department will meet a deputation shortly from the Christian Brothers School Council.
I am aware that the Minister has refused to meet a deputation. Would he not agree that it is wrong to foist his concept of education on a community who wish to have their own type of education?
As I said in reply to a previous question, this is a matter which in general has had a considerable airing. We will consider the views put forward by any group in relation to educational facilities in any area but we must take into consideration the general facilities needed in the particular area and I make my decisions accordingly.