asked the Minister for Education if he recognises the need for canteens in regional technical colleges; and, if so, if he will make grants available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - RTC Canteens.
19.
The building plans in the case of all regional technical colleges provide for canteen facilities and the provision is funded from the capital allocation for the project.
Is the Minister satisfied with the canteen facilities in the regional technical college in Galway and in the other regional technical colleges?
The only information I have in that regard is that in early 1980 the Galway RTC raised the question of an extension to their canteen and informed my Department that they were preparing detailed proposals of the additional accommodation which would be required over the next five years. Since then the Department have not received these proposals from the RTC. I have had representations made to me, both directly by the students' union and by a public representative on their behalf, as a result of which I am looking into the matter. But no firm proposals have come from either the RTC or the VEC there in relation to the improvement of the canteen facilities.
Would the Minister agree that, in view of the prestigious hotel management and catering course available in that college, it is particularly important that there should be adequate canteen facilities in that college?
I would indeed. In fact I would be more than anxious that adequate canteen facilities be available in each of the RTCs. I want to assure the Deputy that if a formal request comes from Galway RTC, if it can be shown that there is a need for extension or improvement of the canteen facilities, funds will be made available from my Department.
When will those funds be made available, immediately?
Following on the request being made and analysed.
There is no question of there being a delay.
I can assure the House that there is no question of a delay. I do not think it is fair to refer to a delay in a case in which a request has not even been made.
I am just inquiring if there will be a delay between the Minister receiving definite proposals and his sanctioning the money.
Absolutely not. I am not like that. I try not to be.
So long as the Minister believes that, that is all right.