asked the Minister for Education his plans for the provision of a vocational school for Killybegs, County Donegal.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Schools.
1.
asked the Minister for Education his plans for a permanent extension to the school in Carrick, County Donegal.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos 1 and 2 together.
I am giving active consideration to the whole question of the future organisation of post-primary education in the Carrick/Killybegs area and I will announce my decision as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that this has been under active consideration for a long time now? It is about time the Department arrived at a decision.
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware from the representations made by Deputy White and from deputations coming in to see me since I became Minister that there is an active interest in this matter. As I said in the reply, I will make the decision as soon as possible, and that means as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that the foundations of the Killybegs school were about to be laid when operations were stopped? The Department have since been trying to make up their mind as to what type of school, if any, should be in Killybegs in relation to the educational system in the area as a whole. Would the Minister not take a decision without any further consideration to have a school in Killybegs teaching up to intermediate certificate level?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy is probably aware that the foundations were begun and work was progressing and stopped. That was not during my term in office as Minister for Education. I am aware of all the facts and I will make the decision quickly.
3.
asked the Minister for Education his plans for an extension made necessary by serious overcrowding at Rockfield School, Ballyshannon, County Donegal.
Mr. R. Burke
My Department are in communication with the Commissioners of Public Works as to how best adequate and suitable accommodation can be provided in Rockfield National School, Ballyshannon.
Does the Minister realise that there are 47 pupils at present in this school and that there are two classrooms, one is 16 X 16 and the other is 16 X 12? It is a matter of urgency that this should get priority.
Mr. R. Burke
The Commissioners of Public Works were asked on 3rd May to furnish a report on the feasibility of converting the existing classrooms in the school into one proper classroom and erecting a prefabricated classroom for the second teacher. On receipt of a report from the Commissioners, the Department will communicate with the manager on the matter.