Adjournment Debate. - Galway Vocational Education Committee School. – Dáil Éireann (27th Dáil) – Tuesday, 11 Feb 1997

Adjournment Debate. - Galway Vocational Education Committee School.

Mr. Molloy

It says something about the heavy handed control by the Department of Education, that Galway City Vocational Education Committee is unable to spend £2,800 on essential alterations to a special toilet for people confined to wheelchairs without having the Department's approval for spending this small amount of money. The special toilet provided some years ago for people confined to a wheelchair is not suitable for persons with muscular dystrophy. As a result the pupil in question has to travel almost 200 yards in the open air to the recreation hall to go to the toilet. This is a source of embarrassment for the pupil in question and causes great inconvenience. Other aspects, which I do not want to go into here, are also very embarrassing for him.

I cannot understand why the Department has not yet decided whether to approve the grant. As a result the board of management is unable to proceed with the alterations. This does not say much for the caring attitude of the Government.

I appeal to the Minister to take whatever steps are necessary — I hope the grant is winging its way to Galway — to ensure the work is undertaken. Five months is too long to wait. The lack of concern and a caring attitude on the part of the Department and its disinterest in the matter display the wrong image. I hope the Minister will redress the matter as quickly as possible.

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Mr. Allen)

I am glad this matter has been raised as it gives me the opportunity to outline the position regarding facilities for the disabled at the community college in question. I wish to outline the background to this case.

In 1994 the Department approved the provision of toilet facilities at the college. These works have been completed at a cost of approximately £8,000. In late 1996 the City of Galway Vocational Education Committee made an application for additional facilities for the disabled at the college. This application encompasses both alterations to existing facilities and the provision of specialist equipment. The project is being considered by departmental officials. As with all applications, certain technical evaluations and public procurement procedures must be adhered to. The project will, however, be examined expeditiously and a decision conveyed to the City of Galway Vocational Education Committee as quickly as possible.

This matter should not be used as a stick with which to hammer the Government. It is being dealt with as quickly as possible. The application was made in late 1996.

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 11 Feb 1997