asked the Minister for Education if she will re-examine the Monaghan VEC proposal to purchase the Christian Brothers' property in Monaghan in view of the accommodation problem at Beech Hill and the need for an adult education centre in Monaghan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Educational Facilities.
5.
I am having County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee's proposal to acquire the Christian Brothers' school property in Monaghan town re-examined in my Department at present in the light of the renewed application for such sanction received recently from the committee.
As soon as a decision is reached it will be conveyed to the committee without delay.
Would the Minister agree that time could be running out, that it is very important that those premises be purchased for educational purposes, taking into account the proximity to them of the boys' national school?
The Deputy will appreciate that in the case of an investment of potentially more than £500,000 we must carry out a careful examination to determine whether that sort of expenditure is justified. Therefore, the whole proposal is being examined carefully. The Deputy will be aware, too, that County Monaghan VEC are meeting tomorrow with those involved in the post-primary unit for the purpose of having urgent discussions on the matter. I am confident that a decision will be reached as quickly as possible.
Would the Minister consider also proposals for additional classes since so many students are travelling long distances to the regional colleges in both Dundalk and Letterkenny whereas they could very well be facilitated in their own area and especially having regard to the increasing population in that area?
I assure the Deputy that all the aspects of the need for the building are being considered carefully in the Department and that a decision will be reached as quickly as possible.