asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the serious shortage of accommodation in Enniscorthy Vocational School, County Wexford; and if he will give immediate sanction for the proposed extension to the school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford School Accommodation.
19.
Mr. R. Burke
My Department in September last approved the provision of three prefabricated classrooms at Enniscorthy Vocational School to provide for increased enrolments.
If the committee seek additional accommodation and make formal application, the matter will be considered.
Is the Minister now saying that there is no application in his Department from the Wexford Vocational Education Committee for an extension to the Enniscorthy Vocational School?
Mr. R. Burke
I am saying that the question of a permanent school extension must be initiated by way of formal application to my Department.
Is the Minister saying that that application is not now in his Department? It has been there for some time.
Mr. R. Burke
That application to the building unit of my Department has not yet been received.
Is the Minister aware that, despite the provision of the three additional classrooms he speaks of, that school is badly overcrowded and, for the coming school year, an additional 70 pupils have enrolled which will make it impossible for the school to carry on? Is the Minister also aware that the Christian Brothers Secondary School in Enniscorthy is also overcrowded and that the Mercy Convent Secondary School is full to capacity? Is he doing anything to provide additional accommodation for the large number of secondary pupils who will be seeking secondary education during the coming year?
Mr. R. Burke
I will be in touch with the CEO to explain the procedures by which a formal application can be initiated.
I should like to get a definite "yes" or "no". Is the Minister saying definitely that there is no proposal from the county vocational education committee in his Department for an extension to the Enniscorthy Vocational School?
The Deputy has posed that question on a number of occasions.
My understanding is that a proposal has been with him for quite a long time for a permanent extension.
The Deputy has asked that question a number of times. Question No. 20.
No answer.
The Minister should say "yes" or "no".
He is treating the House with contempt.
Mr. R. Burke
If the relevant authorities wish to have an extension to the Enniscorthy Vocational Education School, the sooner they put in a formal application the better.
Is the Minister saying that no application was made? This will go further as far as I am concerned.
Mr. R. Burke
It can be taken from my statement that a formal application has not yet been made.