asked the Minister for Finance when work will commence on the construction of Gorey Upper national school, County Wexford; and when it is hoped to have it ready for occupation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford School.
159.
Mr. Kenny
A contract for the erection of this school will be placed on receipt of the local contribution which the manager has been asked to lodge. The work should be completed in about 12 months.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that negotiations have been going on for some considerable time regarding this school? Is he further aware that as and from the 19th of this month parents will withdraw their children from this school? Surely we have had enough strikes in Wexford because of the vocational education committee? We do not want a strike in our primary schools in the county. This is a serious matter.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy must not have listened to the information I imparted. The reason for this delay is that the reverend manager is not coming across with the money for the local contribution. When that is sent up here the job will start.
Has the contract been placed yet or has it been advertised yet?
Mr. Kenny
I will give the Deputy all the information I have at my disposal. The Department of Education sanctioned a grant in March, 1973, towards the cost of erecting a new school containing four classrooms and a general purposes room. Tenders for the work were received in November last, but there were a number of matters in the lowest tender which required clarification. These have now been disposed of and on 5th March, 1974—that was after the election— the manager was asked to lodge the local contribution. On receipt of this a tender will be accepted.
That was two days ago.
Mr. Kenny
Yes.
The Parliamentary Secretary cannot blame the manager because he was asked for the contribution only two days ago.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy cannot say I held it up.