asked the Minister for Finance when advertisements for tenders in respect of the erection of an additional classroom and general purpose room for Kilbride national school near Trim, County Meath will be placed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath School.
5.
A grant towards the cost of an extension to this school was sanctioned in December but I regret that having regard to the volume of work already awaiting attention it will be some months before the preparation of working drawings and specifications can commence. It is yet too early to say when tenders are likely to be invited.
I am sure the Minister is aware that the children are being educated in a house, on the opposite side of the road, which is very unsafe. Would he try to expedite the working drawings so that tenders may be invited?
This is one of the schools that was neglected and should have been attended to years ago. I have a very good knowledge of the school because it is in my constituency. I am aware that every effort made up to two years ago was rebuffed. However, a grant was sanctioned on 2nd December, 1974, towards the cost of an extension of the school. It is a pretty big extension which will cost about £25,000. The manager was asked to apply for planning permission. This does not appear to be forthcoming yet but that is not the main reason why the hold-up has occurred. The main reason is that while steps may be taken to expedite the preparation of the necessary documents, with the best will in the world with the number of such schemes including new schemes in the pipeline it will be several months before that stage can be reached. Deputy Crinion can be assured that since I was partly instrumental in having the grant sanctioned I will finish the job.
Thrash out your local politics at home.
I have heard a couple of Donegal men trying to monopolise the Dáil on occasions and two of them on one side of the House were attacking each other recently. We did not start doing that yet.
Deputy de Valera on item 24.
I should like to have the Minister's last remark recorded for future reference.
I had the pleasure in the Seanad of listening to two Fianna Fáil Members attacking each other.
I am out of order.
I have not said that.
In a spirit of confession I was seeking absolution in advance.