asked the Minister for Education when she intends to give approval for work to commence on the community college for Dublin's north inner city at Seán McDermott Street, Dublin 1; if her attention has been drawn to the commitment given to build this college; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Inner City Community College.
7.
Because of the restriction on the relevant capital allocation which the Government have imposed under their programme for national recovery I cannot indicate when it will be possible for me to authorise commencement of construction in this instance. In line with the commitment given, of which I am aware, work on the project which is estimated to cost £3 million will commence when sufficient resources become available to me to enable it to proceed.
Is the Minister aware that the proposed college was intended to cater specifically for children from one of the most socially disadvantaged urban areas in the State where there is a particularly urgent need for the college and on that basis will he give this matter priority in 1988? Will he state whether or not there will be any building programme in 1988?
This school has a very high priority in the Department. We realise it is located in a severely disadvantaged area and my Department are most anxious to proceed with the construction of the school. However, because of the financial constraints placed upon us we cannot do so. The situation in regard to 1988 is that no new post-primary school building projects will be commenced in that year.
Is the Minister aware that the Taoiseach gave a specific written commitment in 1982 that this college would be built? Is he now saying that because of financial constraints this written commitment will not be honoured?
I will remind the Deputy that we are now in 1987 and not in 1982.
I am not too clear on what the Minister is suggesting but will he answer the question which is——
I am afraid you cannot indulge in repetition, Deputy. We cannot afford that luxury at Question Time.
Will the Minister clarify whether or not is he stating that the commitment to which I referred will not now be honoured?
You have put that question earlier.
The commitment will be honoured as soon as the resources become available.
Is the Minister aware that the children in the vocational school at No. 1 Parnell Square are supposed to be accommodated in that proposed college? Is the Minister aware of the serious noise hazard on that side of Parnell Square and of the serious fire hazard that existed in that old building where some years ago part of the upper floor of the building next door collapsed along with some of the school? There is a real hazard there. Because of the social disadvantage in the area, there is a real need to give this not just priority attention but immediate attention, despite financial constraints.
We are aware of the problems to which the Deputy refers. However, we are quite satisfied that the situation in that school is not detrimental to the education of the children.
May I take it that the ruling which the Minister of State has given that there will be no building in 1988 does not cover Coracrin school in County Monaghan?
It relates to post primary.
So the Coracrin addition goes ahead as promised.
Sin ceist eile.