andMr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the continuation of the CBS Secondary School in Adare, County Limerick.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Limerick Schools.
22.
andMr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education if he has received requests to meet a deputation from the parents' association, Adare, County Limerick who are concerned about the future of the CBS Secondary School there; and, if so, when he proposes to meet them.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
I have arranged to meet a deputation from Adare CBS Parents' Association in the very near future to have a full discussion in regard to the future of the Christian Brothers' Schools in the centre.
In view of the developments in the Adare area in regard to housing, water and sewerage and the plans envisaged by Limerick County Council, can the Minister indicate what are the prospects of catering for pupils at leaving certificate level?
Mr. R. Burke
Perhaps the Deputy might like to wait and join the deputation which is to see me at 4 o'clock on Wednesday.
I am aware of that. I am glad that the Minister is meeting the deputation.
24.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the plans his Department has for the erection of community schools in County Limerick.
Mr. R. Burke
It would be premature to attempt to make firm plans at this stage for the future development of the appropriate educational facilities, including community schools, for the whole of County Limerick. Discussions are, however, proceeding with the appropriate interests in relation to certain areas where a need for development of such facilities in the reasonably near future is foreseen. These areas include, in particular, the environs of Limerick city and the north central area of the county.
Could the Minister indicate what are his plans for the Adare area and the surrounding district?
I wonder is the Deputy dealing with Question No. 23 or Question No. 24?
Mr. R. Burke
I would like the Deputy to be good enough to make the case with the deputation for the area and we can discuss it fully.
Has the Minister any plans in his Department at the moment? Perhaps the Minister would reply to my question.
Mr. R. Burke
We have plans for the north central area of Limerick, as I replied to the Deputy.
They would not include Adare.
Mr. R. Burke
Adare is in the north central area, generally speaking, in our plans. There are seven schools involved in a rationalisation programme and I would prefer to discuss the Adare situation separately.
Is the Minister aware that Limerick city is bursting at the seams in so far as educational facilities are concerned and that it is only six or seven years ago that the Adare area was provided with a building costing in the region of £40,000 or £50,000? There is a demand for a full secondary school in the Adare area and the Minister certainly should have plans in his Department for the development of that area even before he meets this deputation.
Mr. R. Burke
I agreed to meet a deputation at the request of Deputy Denis Jones and I would prefer the case be made there.
I wonder is the Minister aware——
I think I have given the Deputy quite some latitude.
I want to say that it was not until such time as Deputy Collins and myself put down a question that the Minister agreed to meet the deputation.
Mr. R. Burke
The arrangements for the deputation were made before the Deputies' question was put down.