asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her Department's building programme for the post primary sector in Cahir, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cahir (Tipperary) Post Primary Schools.
8.
There are three post primary schools in Cahir at present. My Department had sanctioned new building projects for two of these schools — the vocational school and Coláiste Chriost Rí and the Mercy Convent secondary school. However, in line with current policy, my Department are now, in consultation with all three school managements in Cahir, examining the possibilities for the rationalisation of post primary facilities in the centre.
Arising out of the Minister's reply can I ask him if he is aware of the absolute urgency of the provision of post primary facilities in Cahir, County Tipperary? As the Minister is no doubt aware there are approximately 850 pupils being taught in inadequate conditions despite the best efforts of their teachers. The vocational school is overcrowded, the Convent of Mercy secondary school has a number of prefabricated buildings which are totally unsuitable for teaching in and St. Joseph's College is also totally inadequate. It is as a result of direct request from the Minister's Department that the concept of a community college is being investigated. Could the Minister be a little more definitive and give us a more positive answer as to when this provision will be made for post primary education in Cahir?
I would say it would be the middle of the next decade.
I am aware of the poor condition of the existing school buildings. Having reviewed the provision of post primary facilities in Cahir and in the light of current policy on rationalisation, my Department will ensure that sufficient post primary places are provided for all pupils in the centre. My Department are always prepared to consider applications from school authorities for temporary accommodation. In regard to the discussions which are taking place with a view to achieving a better arrangement for post primary facilities in the centre, I hope that, arising from the discussions and negotiations which are in progress locally, proposals will be put to my Department for consideration.
Can I——
A final question, Deputy Griffin.
The Minister indicated that his Department would provide temporary accommodation but surely he must now be aware that this is totally inadequate and unsuitable. Can I ask the Minister to give me some positive information today as to when he expects a decision to be made in respect of a community college for Cahir?
It is impossible to say when we expect a decision to be made. It is also impossible to say at this stage whether it will be a community school or college. This will depend on the outcome of the discussions which are taking place. We are looking very closely at this matter and we are anxious to make progress as quickly as possible.
Question No. 9 in the name of Deputy Pat McCartan.
May I ask a final supplementary?
A very brief question.
Will the Minister promise the House that he will use his good offices to call all the interested parties together, in other words the boards of management of the three schools involved, to effect an early decision in respect of the community college?
As soon as we get the local proposals we will not delay making a decision on the matter.
Question No. 9 in the name of Deputy Pat McCartan.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15, 37, 86 and 87 together. There is also the matter of Priority Question No. 51 and it is for the House to decide whether that should be included also.
If the Minister wishes to take that question she may do so. It is quite in order.