asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the imbalance in educational investment in Dublin city, he will indicate the reasons for the lack of investment in education in the Ballyfermot area for some time in the light of the O'Malley plan, the raising of the school leaving age and the proliferation of prefabricated classrooms; if he considers that this has produced an unhealthy educational atmosphere; and if he will make a statement regarding the proposed community college in Ballyfermot.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Education Investment.
14.
Mr. R. Burke
Discussions have been taking place for some time with the various parties involved in connection with a proposal for a new senior cycle school in Ballyfermot and I have recently met representatives of the Ballyfermot Community Association in relation to the matter.
The outcome of the discussions is that the parties concerned have opted for a school to be managed by a sub-committee of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee, that is a board of management under section 21 of the Vocational Education Act, 1930.
I have accordingly decided that the vocational education committee should be authorised to proceed with the provision of the school.
Has there been any change as regards the location of the site as mentioned by the community association and the site which was negotiated some years ago between the Office of Public Works and the vocational school?
Mr. R. Burke
There are two sites in question. The Deputy would need to ask a specific question in respect of detail of this nature. I believe he is referring to the half site but if he asks a question about that, I shall answer it.
Is the Minister aware that several thousand children in the area will be leaving post-primary schools this year and that there will be no further educational facilities for them in the community?
Mr. R. Burke
The Dublin Advisory Council are my official advisory body in this matter and for some time they have had the whole question of the Ballyfermot area under consideration.