asked the Minister for Education if he has any over-all plan to ease the over-crowding of technical schools in Dublin city and suburbs; and if he will state the prospects of meeting all enrolment requests in the coming school term.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Technical Schools.
82.
Mr. R. Burke
The question of accommodation in second-level schools is being kept constantly under review by the Dublin Advisory Council. Extensions to a number of vocational schools have been sanctioned and planning is in progress in these cases. In addition, discussions are proceeding in regard to proposed extensions or new buildings in a number of areas. I am satisfied that with the co-operation of the school authorities all children seeking places in second-level schools in the Dublin area next year will be accommodated.
It has been publicly stated that there is a grave problem facing parents in placing their children in schools. It has been suggested that there will be 1,000 potential pupils turned away because of the lack of accommodation. Anybody who has had experience, particularly teachers, in the technical schools in the city can confirm that there is overcrowding, that classes are held, I believe, in corridors and that there is no prospect being held out of relieving these conditions. How can the Minister say that he is able to provide 1,000 extra places for pupils in the coming academic year?
Mr. R. Burke
I have stated for the Deputy and for the House that I am satisfied that with the co-operation of the school authorities all children seeking second-level places will be accommodated. I am not necessarily accepting that the references to which the Deputy refers, in the papers and so on, about the lack of places are accurate simply because statements are made by certain interests in this matter. We have these stories in relation to both the Dublin and Cork areas year by year and yet children find accommodation in these areas in second-level schools.
The teachers have not got any assurance that the over-crowding will be relieved. The Minister has not indicated specifically in what areas he will provide this accommodation.
That is a separate question.
Mr. R. Burke
In brief reply to the Deputy, if he has any particular school in mind I would ask him to give the information to me.
Coolock, Ballyfermot, and other areas.