asked the Minister for Education the steps he has taken to provide a new primary school at Swinford, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Schools.
18.
Mr. R. Burke
As an alternative to proceeding with the erection of the new boys' national school in Swinford, for which plans have already been prepared my Department are considering a proposal that the existing vocational school be converted for use as a primary school for boys and that a new vocational school be built on a site adjacent to the two secondary schools in the town.
A decision in the matter will be reached as quickly as possible.
Does the Minister not feel it would have been politeness if he got in touch with the vocational education committee before any decisions were made that would affect them?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not aware that we have had any difficulties in this regard.
Will the Minister accept from me now that no communication, good, bad or indifferent has been received from his Department by the Mayo Vocational Education Committee?
The Deputy is introducing new material. This question relates to a primary school.
I am dealing with primary schools but the answer the Minister gave me was that a primary school depended on a new vocational school being built.
That is a separate matter, Deputy. A vocational school is a separate matter. Question No. 19.
Will the Minister let me know when these proposals will be dealt with? As the Minister is aware, plans have been drawn up for a new school.
Mr. R. Burke
I will communicate with the Deputy.
As a matter of urgency?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes.
19.
asked the Minister for Education when work will commence on the repairs to Creevagh national school, Carrowmore, Lacken, Ballina, County Mayo.
Mr. R. Burke
As I explained in a reply to a similar question from the Deputy on 4th April last, I am satisfied that the best interests of the children concerned would be served by the amalgamation of Creevagh NS and Carrowmore NS, to form a three-teacher school unit. The expense involved in having repairs carried out to Creevagh NS would not, therefore, be justified.
My Department are now arranging for the provision of the necessary additional accommodation at the Carrowmore school.
Will the Minister reconcile this answer with the one he gave previously that consultations with local interests will be taken into account before the school is closed? Will he also let me know if he has received from the new manager a request that this school be kept open?
This question deals with repairs to a national school.
Mr. R. Burke
I have no information at my disposal which would lead me to believe that we have had such a request.