John Bruton
Question:8 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the promised extension to Longwood Vocational School, County Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longwood (Meath) School Project.
John V. Farrelly
Question:67 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the promised extension to Longwood Vocational School, County Meath.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 67 together.
As is the case with all major school building projects the proposed extension for Longwood vocational school has been reviewed on a regular basis by my Department in the context of demographic trends and projected short and long term enrolments. The most recent review revealed that: the current enrolment of pupils in the school is only 161 — this figure represents a decline of 25 per cent in enrolment since 1982; the school attracts only 25 per cent to 30 per cent of the pupils leaving primary schools in the catchment area; and the output from these primary schools is expected to drop by 22 per cent in the short term.
In the light of the current and likely future enrolment trends in Longwood vocational school my Department, in consultation with County Meath vocational education committee are considering how best provision can be made for the pupils of this school in the future. Pending a decision in this regard the proposed extension to the school cannot be advanced.
May I ask a supplementary question?
On this question in respect of Longwood vocational school, County Meath.
That is Deputy Bruton's and Deputy Farrelly's domain.
My interests range far and near. The reality is that this school will be closed in four years time. One of the reasons is that there has been canvassing of the Longwood primary schools by the Trim secondary schools to ensure there are not too many new entrants going forward to the Longwood vocational school. That matter is totally out of order. I would ask the Minister to come clean on this and say he intends to close this school in four years time.
The Deputy and I share a constituency and we know all about canvassing. I am aware it goes on in the educational world also. I have informed the Deputy of the survey which is taking place in that area. The current enrolment of pupils in the school is 161. That figure represents a decline of 25 per cent in enrolment since 1982. The school attracts only about a quarter of all the pupils leaving primary schools in the catchment area. Faced with those figures the proposed extension of the school cannot be advanced at this stage.
In view of the Minister's reply and the importance of technical and practical subjects to that area would he be prepared to meet a deputation from Meath vocational education committee together with the Oireachtas representatives to discuss the future of the school?
I will communicate with the Deputy on that point to see whether that is possible.
Would the Minister agree in the event of closure that the pupils attending the school would have to travel to Trim, Kilcock or Edenderry, areas which are outside the remit of people living in Longwood?
This question refers to the extension of the school, not its closure.
A Cheann Comhairle, I am about to make that very point.
Perhaps the Minister would like to reply.
I understand the Deputy's concern but the figures speak for themselves.
Question No. 9 please.