asked the Minister for Education why the proposal to build a vocational school at Islandbridge, Dublin, was abandoned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Islandbridge (Dublin) Vocational School.
26.
Mr. R. Burke
Because the existing schools in the Islandbridge, James's Street, Inchicore area can cater adequately for second level education in the area, the proposal from the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee to provide a new school in Islandbridge was not acceded to.
May I ask the Minister if he is aware of reports to the effect that at least 200, if not 300, children will not be able to get third level education in their area after this school term?
Mr. R. Burke
I take it that the Deputy is referring to second level education?
Vocational school. There will not be enough places for people qualifying from secondary or other schools in the Ballyfermot area and that, of course, includes Inchicore and Bluebell.
Mr. R. Burke
I think the Deputy has confused himself somewhat. I was answering Question No. 26.
Is the Minister aware that negotiations took place between myself, as Parliamentary Secretary, and the Vocational Education Committee for the purpose of transferring land for the provision of this school?
Mr. R. Burke
In Ballyfermot?
No, in Islandbridge, which will cater for Ballyfermot, Inchicore and Bluebell. In view of the fact that even the GAA club were making a pitch available to the students of this school why was it necessary to abandon this when there was a change at the head of the VEC?
Mr. R. Burke
These matters are subject to the advice received from the advisory council on post-primary accommodation in the greater Dublin area. At that time—November, 1971—the recommendation was made that a secondary school to cater for the 500 pupils be provided in place of an existing secondary top in Goldenbridge. This proposal is in abeyance still. The new secondary school for 550 boys will be provided to replace the existing CBS school at James's Street. The proposal from the Dublin City Vocational Education Committee to provide a vocational school in Islandbridge to cater for 750 pupils was made some years ago but has not been proceeded with.
I am asking why has it not been proceeded with because there was considerable negotiation between the Office of Public Works and the VEC to exchange lands to make this building possible.
Mr. R. Burke
I am not presently aware why it was not proceeded with or whether the matter rests with the vocational committee or with the Department. My present information is that there are enough schools in the area to cater adequately for post-primary education in Inchicore, Islandbridge and James's Street. If the Deputy would ask me a specific question——
I have asked why it is not being proceeded with.
The Deputy did ask that specific question and if the Minister would read the Order Paper he would see that question was asked.
Mr. R. Burke
I have no present information to give to the Deputy as to why it was not proceeded with. I undertake to tell the Deputy personally or, if he wishes to put down the question again. I regret I have not that information here.
It is a very disappointing situation.
Mr. R. Burke
That is the way it is.
Deputy Lemass has asked a specific question.
Mr. R. Burke
I have offered to give the Deputy the information either personally or if he puts down another question.
Why not give the Deputy the information as a result of his question?
I would like to have the information on the record of this House.
Mr. R. Burke
If the Deputy puts down the question for next week, I will let him have the information.