asked the Minister for Education if he will state, further to the submissions of the Dalkey School Project during 1976 and 1977 seeking recognition for the establishment of a national school in the area under the auspices of the project, whether consideration has been given by his Department to these submissions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dalkey School Project.
5.
The submissions made by the Dalkey School Project in relation to the establishment of a national school in the Dalkey area have been receiving, and are still receiving, attention in my Department. As the Deputy is, I believe, aware, one of the matters to be weighed in relation to those submissions is the extent to which the establishment of an additional school in the area would result in a surplus of national school accommodation in the area, particularly in view of the fact that a decision in principle has long since been given that one of the already established schools be replaced by a new building. I shall try to have the matter brought to decision as quickly as possible.
May I ask the Minister if, as stated in his reply to Question No. 4, before reaching any final decision on the matter he would be prepared to meet the officers of the Dalkey School Project to discuss their views locally with him in view of the fact that a substantial number of parents directly concerned in this large catchment area would wish to see set up again a national day school, of a multi-denominational and coeducational character and as comprehensive as possible? Before reaching any final decision on either existing school developments or possible future pilot projects he might be prepared to meet the Dalkey School Project people. I would be very appreciative if the Minister would so agree.
I will so agree.
Can the Minister indicate what his attitude will be when this interview comes about and these people are seeking recognition? Quite clearly the Minister must tell the House what his attitude is in relation to the recognition these people seek.
The same applies as to the Marley school. I should listen to what they say first before I form any attitude on proposals they make. In fairness to the people involved that is only right.
Deputy Desmond has quite properly put down a very reasonable question arising out of what the Minister said. The purport of the question is to ask the Minister if he could state, further to the submissions of the Dalkey School Project during 1976 and 1977 seeking recognition for the establishment of a national school in the area under the auspices of the project, whether consideration has been——
It is hardly necessary to repeat the question, Deputy.
Would the Minister accept their request for recognition when they come into him led by Deputy Desmond for this interview?
I would hope Deputy Andrews will join with me.
Deputy Andrews will over-shadow the Deputy.
We will go together.
Our policy is clear in relation to this matter. The Labour Party's policy is clear but ex-Deputy R. Burke's successor's policy is not. The Minister has been a very reasonable Minister since he came into Education. May I ask him what he is going to say to these people?
The Deputy may ask but I am not going to tell him. I will wait to see what they have to say and listen to any reasonable points made by the delegation and then I will react to them.
Question No. 6, please.
A final supplementary. What is the Minister's attitude on behalf of his Government in relation to multi-denominational education?
This is a wider question altogether.
There has been no change in the policy at all. The policy has been set out a number of times by my predecessor. I think the Deputy can confirm that.
Can the Minister tell us what his predecessor's policy was?
If the Deputy refers to the speeches of Deputy R. Burke here and outside he will find out.
Can the Minister give the substance of these speeches?
Order. I have called Question No. 6.
Is the Minister supporting the former Minister's policy in relation to this matter? That is what I want to know.