asked the Minister for Education if he has yet received any report on the recent public enquiry regarding Gorey vocational school, County Wexford.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Gorey Vocational School.
38.
Mr. R. Burke
I have received the report on the inquiry referred to and I am considering it at present.
Will the Minister agree that the position in regard to vocational education in County Wexford has now reached the disaster stage? Will he further agree that both parents and teachers have made it clear that the report in question is irrelevant to the dispute in Wexford and will he at this stage take some decision, an exceptional one or otherwise, to bring this dispute to an end? This dispute will affect the future of 2,000 vocational school children in County Wexford.
I shall wait for the Minister's reply.
Mr. R. Burke
I thought Deputy Allen would add his piece to it before I replied. As Deputy Browne is aware, on the adjournment here the other evening I stated that I would be in receipt of a report in regard to the dispute which arose out of the suspension of three teachers in the Gorey school. I received this report in the last few days. I think I should be given time to consider it. Within a few days I will be making decisions which I hope will lead to a lasting peace in the area of jurisdiction of the Wexford VEC, unlike the previous settlement by me which unfortunately did not lead, much as I hoped it would, to peace in that area. I can assure the House, and I hope this will satisfy Deputy Allen so that he will not have to ask any further supplementary questions, that the decisions in regard to this matter hopefully will clear up the matter once and for all. Would the Deputy be prepared to leave it at that for the moment because I have not yet published anything in regard to the matter?
When does the Minister hope——
Mr. R. Burke
I said in a few days. Sooner rather than later. Very soon, in fact.
Does the Minister honestly think that whatever decision he comes to regarding the public inquiry that was held in Gorey will solve the problems of vocational education in County Wexford?
Mr. R. Burke
I would hope so but, of course, I could not guarantee the reaction of individuals to any suggested solution of the problem I may make. With that reservation I am very hopeful that it will solve it.
Question No. 39.
The Minister must understand that it is not alone in Gorey we have the problem; it is a problem in the county at large, in each of the schools.
Question No. 39.
Would the Minister not think of alternative actions— either going down now and doing a Kissinger, as I suggested to him already, in County Wexford or asking all concerned to postpone the decision until July when the pupils will have their academic year finished?
Mr. R. Burke
I will be perfectly prepared to receive honours such as the Deputy is prepared to hand out if I solve disputes. I share his concern in the matter and will do all I can personally to solve it.