asked the Minister for Education if he has received a reply from the County Dublin VEC to his request to them to sign deeds of trust in respect of Tallaght and other community schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers . - Community Schools .
9.
: I have received a reply from the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee seeking a meeting with me to discuss the deed of trust.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have initiated a series of discussions in relation to the provisions of the deed of trust for community schools with the relevant educational organisations. I have met the IVEA, the overall body of Vocational Education Committees and I have had lengthy discussions with them on the deed of trust.
I would not consider it appropriate to make any statement on the matter pending the outcome of these discussions.
: In the light of what was said in a letter from the Department dated 16 March to the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee seeking their signing of that document in which it was stated that the deed would be in accordance with the draft which has been agreed already, how can the Minister reconcile that with the rejection of the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee and his subsequent action in this matter?
: My subsequent actions were in substitute of inaction. From 1972 this problem was not——
: Who was Minister in 1972?
: Where is Deputy Faulkner?
: From the end of 1972, through 1973—silence—1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 and a half, no action whatsoever was taken with regard to the deeds of trust. I had to escalate it some way. I am now confident, having met the Association of Secondary Teachers, the Teachers Union of Ireland, the IVEA, the Conference of Major Religious Superiors and the Episcopal Commission, and being now about to meet the principals of the community schools, that we will reach a consensus and that the 20,000 children who are already being educated in these excellent schools will have, if they need it, good solid legal backing.
: Would the Minister explain to the House why one day he made a statement that he was about to sign the deeds and the next day he ran for cover?
: Next question.
: If you will allow me—
: I am totally opposed to questions that incite argument.
(Interruptions.)