asked the Minister for Education the plans he has for the preservation and development of second-level education in the north central area of Dublin city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Second-Level Education.
9.
The situation regarding second-level education in the greater Dublin area is kept under constant review by my Department and the Dublin Advisory Council.
In relation to school developments at present I may say that a proposal from Dublin City VEC was approved for a new vocational school in the north city centre to replace the existing schools in Great Denmark Street and Parnell Square. A major extension scheme has also been approved for the Sisters of Charity school in Kings Inns Street.
Would the Minister not agree that the whole business of planning for the north central area is completely vitiated if schools are allowed to close down, and what on earth can the Minister do in the present situation to take account of the fact that his plans can be thrown completely overboard at a moment's notice?
I would inform the Deputy that my plans will not be thrown into confusion by any action on the part of any educational establishment closing down. As I have told the Deputy, a new vocational school in the north city area will replace the existing schools in Great Denmark Street and Parnell Square and I will continue with that plan if a suitable site can be found. A suitable site is the problem at the moment.
When will that school be built?
The VEC thought it had a site but we are now informed the site is not available and we are looking for an alternative site in the area.
Will the Minister accept, in view of the declining number of secondary schools, that there is need for such a plan for the whole central area in relation to the provision of second level education because the prospect before us is that that part of the city is becoming denuded of all secondary schooling? Admittedly, a new school is planned but the general pattern has been one of closing down. Can the Minister promise any change in that situation?
I do not accept that there is any need to panic about school places in the area. I assure the Deputy that places will be made available for all pupils needing them in that area.
Is the Minister aware that most children in that area, in this part of the city, are obliged to go outside the area for secondary schooling to further their education and that this means that many children do not bother and that there is a social disincentive for them and that the position is not nearly as comfortable as the Minister would appear to imply in his reply?
I am not aware that pupils are leaving this area to get to secondary schools and as the Deputy's statement—it is not a question—is very vague, I cannot identify the area he is talking about.
North city Dublin is not that big.
It is big enough to be encompassed by the schools we are dealing with.
The Minister has not touched the heart of the matter as usual.
That is a matter of opinion.