asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that changing facilities, showers and a gymnasium are provided at the new community school, Clifden, County Galway, as have been provided at all other new community school buildings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community and Second-Level Schools.
29.
Mr. R. Burke
The building for this school at present under construction represents a phase of development to cater for up to 350 students only and does not include provision for showers and a gymnasium. The provision of such facilities may be considered at a later stage.
30.
asked the Minister for Education the location of each of the 24 new community schools on which work will commence during the next three years; and the number of these community schools on which work will commence in 1975.
31.
asked the Minister for Education where he intends to establish community schools; and, in each case, when he expects the school to be operational.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
As I announced in my recent Press statement, financial provision will be available for 24 community schools to be commenced over the next three years. To date agreement has been reached on the question of the establishment of schools in the following localities:—
Ballyhaunis, Malahide, Cabinteely, Ballincollig, Balally, Dublin, Holylands, Dublin, The Donahies, Dublin, Castletownbere, Dungloe, Gweedore.
Discussions with local parties are still proceeding in the case of certain other localities.
I anticipate that work will commence in 1975 on new schools at Ballyhaunis, Malahide, Cabinteely, Ballincollig, Castletownbere, Dungloe and Gweedore.
32.
asked the Minister for Education the location of each of the 60 new second level schools on which work will begin in 1975 as announced on 16th October, 1974.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report a schedule showing the provision by county of the 60 new second-level schools and other major building projects on which it is expected work will begin in 1975.
Following is the statement:
Department of Education
NEW second-level schools and other major projects on which it is expected work will begin in 1975.
|
Location |
Number of Projects |
|
Cork City and County |
6 |
|
County Donegal |
3 |
|
County Galway |
2 |
|
Dublin City and County |
23 |
|
County Kerry |
2 |
|
County Laoise |
1 |
|
Limerick City and County |
2 |
|
County Longford |
1 |
|
County Mayo |
2 |
|
County Meath |
3 |
|
County Monaghan |
2 |
|
County Roscommon |
2 |
|
County Tipperary |
2 |
|
Waterford City and County |
6 |
|
County Westmeath |
1 |
|
County Wexford |
2 |
33.
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of factors within his Department which will prevent the opening of the community school in Malahide in 1975, he will make a commitment to provide facilities as and from September, 1976, at the latest.
Mr. R. Burke
Planning for the new community school at Malahide is already well advanced and it is anticipated that work on the new school will be commenced in August next.
34.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is no science equipment available in the Community School, Ardee, County Louth; and the action he proposes to take in the matter to cater for students wishing to take science courses.
35.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that due to insufficient equipment it is not possible to make effective use of the needlework room in the Community School, Ardee, County Louth; and the action he proposes to take to cater for students wishing to take the needlework course.
36.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is no furniture and no equipment in the metalwork rooms in the Community School, Ardee, County Louth; and the action he proposes to take in the matter to cater for students wishing to take the metalwork course.
37.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is no woodwork equipment available in the Community School, Ardee, County Louth; and the action he proposes to take in the matter to cater for students wishing to take the woodwork course.
38.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is no equipment available in the home economics room in the Community School, Ardee, County Louth; and the action he proposes to take to cater for students wishing to take the course in home economics.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 to 38, inclusive, together. The position in relation to the supply of furniture and equipment for Ardee Community School is that 60 per cent of the supply has been provided. What appeared to be sufficient time was given to contractors to enable them to have all the furniture and equipment delivered for the opening of the school in September last. Due to the difficult supply situation, however, some suppliers are experiencing difficulty in meeting the delivery terms of their contracts.
It is expected that most of the outstanding items will be delivered by the end of November and the remainder by the end of December. In the meantime, arrangements have been made to make use, where appropriate, of the specialist facilities in the nearby vocational school.
Is the Minister aware that because of the lack of facilities it is possible to teach only theoretical aspects of practical and science subjects, that this is prejudicial to the interests of the students of Ardee community school, especially those who are doing intermediate or leaving certificate examinations this year? Will he say what he is doing in regard to this?
Mr. R. Burke
I have already indicated that in regard to science equipment, for example, the equipment was ordered from two firms. One has delivered approximately 70 per cent of its order and the other in its latest forecast delivery forecast that delivery would have been made by 21st October. In respect of all the other items I have information here which the Deputy might like to have and can have if he requests it. I am doing all I can to see that the equipment is provided as speedily as possible but we are dependent on contractors to carry out the work given to them.
Is the Minister aware that I pointed out to him some months ago that the deed of trust was made available by him far too late to have the Ardee community school properly organised for the present school year? Will he therefore make clear to the people of Ardee that the shortcomings of the community school are his fault and not the fault of the school authorities or of the teaching staff.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not think it is the fault either of the people mentioned or of myself. I think it is the difficulty that I have outlined about contractors.
Would the Minister agree that the deed of trust in relation to community schools was ready in the Department before I left office and that he held it for over a year with very serious consequences for the students of Ardee community school.
Mr. R. Burke
I held it up as long as was necessary to have it clear to my own satisfaction as a document.
The Minister is well aware of the fact that only a few very minor changes were made in the deed and that these were of little consequence. The fact that the deed was not produced in time——
We cannot pursue the matter by way of argument. That would not be in order.
Is the Minister aware that one of the basic problems is that the work has not been completed by some of the subcontractors, apart from the fact that the various facilities are not available, and that the subcontractors will not complete the work because they have not been paid by the main contractor and that the main contractor says he cannot pay them because the Department have not paid him?
We cannot have a debate on this matter.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy will realise that the school was begun even before the management board was put in and even before the deed of trust was completed and therefore there is no connection necessarily between the two matters. There are difficulties with contractors regarding the supply of equipment and that is all I can say at present.
Further arising——
The Deputy will agree that I have given him a lot of latitude.
Let me point out——
I cannot allow the Deputy to point out anything. He may ask a final supplementary question.
Surely the Ceann Comhairle will agree that I have five questions down——
And the Chair has been generous with the Deputy. A final supplementary.
Will the Minister not agree that this is an extremely serious situation for students doing examinations this year? While I do not accept that he is blameless in the matter, will he at this late stage do everything he possibly can to ensure that the facilities are provided and the work in connection with this community school completed as soon as possible so as to give these students a reasonable chance?
Mr. R. Burke
I shall certainly give the matter my utmost attention but I must refuse to accept the Deputy's point that there is no equipment available to these students. I am advised that at least 70 per cent in some cases and 60 per cent in others has been supplied. Admittedly, it would be better if we had 100 per cent but it is a reasonable proportion.
The fact is that it is only possible to deal with theoretical aspects of practical and science subjects. That is most unfair to students doing examinations this year.
Next question, please, No. 39.