(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Finance the number of prefabricated structures in use as classrooms in schools in (a) the Dublin area and (b) the country as a whole.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prefabricated Classrooms.
40.
Mr. Kenny
I am informed that there are 1,830 prefabricated classrooms at national schools througout the country. Of these 758 are at national schools in the Dublin area.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if his Department are considering whether or not it is good policy to continue with the provision of such classrooms or is this matter being reviewed by his Department?
Mr. Kenny
My Department have nothing to do with that. This is a matter for the Department of Education.
Am I to believe that it is the Department of Education decide whether or not there are to be such classrooms?
Mr. Kenny
Prefabricated classrooms are provided as a matter of policy on the instruction of the Department of Education.
Are the Parliamentary Secretary's Department not consulted regarding the merits or demerits of prefabricated classrooms or whether they are an economic proposition in the long term?
Mr. Kenny
The Office of Public Works only act as agents for the Department of Education.
And not in an advisory capacity?
Mr. Kenny
Only as agents.
Even if they thought money was being ill-spent, they would not advise them?
Mr. Kenny
Advice would be given but would it be accepted?
It could always be tried, maybe to the credit of the Parliamentary Secretary.