asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the provisions he is making for the placing of girls in post-primary schools in the western area of Cork city for the term commencing September, 1976; and if he is satisfied that the primary school leavers from Scoil Spriod Naomh girls national school, Curraheen Road and St. Catherine's girls national school, Model Farm Road will be adequately catered for in convenient post-primary schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City Schools.
9.
Mr. R. Burke
The question of the future provision of second-level educational facilities for both girls and boys in this area is at present under active consideration in my Department in the light of the proposed housing developments in the district generally and of the accommodation position in the existing schools. The Department are also negotiating with Cork Corporation for the provision of a site in the area for an additional second-level school.
The Minister will appreciate that this out-worn term "active consideration" is hardly adequate for the needs of this area and other areas on the perimeter of Cork city. Has the Minister any specific proposals to absorb the primary school leavers in the area referred to in this question in September, 1976, and, more urgently, the male secondary school leavers in the adjacent parish of The Lough and in the parishes of Blackrock and Ballinlough in Cork city?
Mr. R. Burke
I have recently received a deputation of members of Cork Corporation in regard to this matter and our inspectors are actively engaged in an assessment of the situation.
Surely the Minister will agree that assessment is not necessary at this stage? What is needed is the provision of facilities for secondary education. May I suggest to the Minister that the provision of the facilities might be proceeded with while the active consideration exercise is also under way?
Mr. R. Burke
We are doing both. In fact we have asked the corporation to reserve a site for a second-level school and the timing of that provision will be examined and is being examined at present. The question of second-level places for Cork city is raised every year and in each case, in respect of each year, we have provided places in spite of the suggestion that we are not doing it. Places are provided every year in the second-level schools in Cork city.
That being so, would the Minister, therefore, give an assurance or give reasonable hope that adequate secondary school places will be provided in Cork in the school year commencing next September and the school year commencing September, 1976?
Mr. R. Burke
If I heard the Deputy correctly to say second-level places I give that assurance.