asked the Minister for Education why a grant towards the cost of audio-visual teaching equipment for Scoil Fhiachna, Glengarriff, County Cork was not sanctioned for the year 1977.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Audio-Visual Teaching Equipment.
12.
Because it appeared that the provision for audio-visual equipment in the relevant sub-head of the Vote would not be sufficient to meet all applications for grants, it was not possible to approve requests for grants received after the 24th June, 1977. It would now appear that some schools are not availing of approvals given for the purchase of equipment and it has, therefore, been found possible to approve the purchase of equipment by schools which applied between 24th and 30th June, 1977. The Deputy will be delighted to know that Scoil Fhiachna, Glengarriff, is one of these schools.
I am very pleased indeed that my school is looked after, but on a general point——
The Deputy should not generalise now. The Deputy has got his money for the school.
——would the Minister accept that the circular in question might be a little misleading in that it refers to the fact that applications should be lodged before 30th of June, and that it does not make it clear that the applications will be dealt with on a first come, first served, basis?
That is only when money is scarce. When there is a lot of money for all the applications, everybody gets what he wants. I am sure the Deputy recalls that last June there was a little bit of confusion and activity around the country and anything could have happened during that time.
There was large scale confusion.
The question relates to Glengarriff school.
Is the Minister aware that the case in question is only one of a number of similar cases of schools not receiving sanction? Is the Minister aware that if he brought in a Supplementary Estimate he would get House approval for extra expenditure for audio-visual aids?
I would like to know whether the Deputy is playing the old bow, or whether he knows of other cases.
Question No. 13.
I do.
Could the Deputy name the school?
The De La Salle College, Waterford.
How much are they down?
I am not sure.
Question No. 13, Deputy O'Keeffe.
I will have a look into the kitty, and if there is any money they will get it.
We cannot have questions relating to individual matters.