asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that evening classes in agricultural science in rural technical schools have been closed at the request of the Department of Agriculture which objected that these classes trespassed on their domain, and whether he will take steps to have this objection overruled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Classes in Agricultural Science.
So far as I am aware no evening classes in agricultural science in rural technical schools have been closed at the request of the Department of Agriculture.
The provision of instruction in the technical and economic aspects of agriculture for persons actually engaged in farming is the function of the committees of agriculture. The vocational education committees are empowered under the Act of 1930 merely to provide instruction in the elementary scientific principles of agriculture for young persons who may later be engaged in farm work.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that in many parts of this country it is impossible to get a 16-year-old or 17-year-old boy to come to a day-time class in agricultural science, that instructors, moved by their own enthusiasm, have in certain cases set up evening classes of technical instruction in agricultural science which were being well attended No. 13. and that they were requested by the Department to close them on the ground that this was a trespass on the Department's domain? Surely, the Minister does not object to the imparting of instruction to the youths of the country in agricultural science through the technical schools if that be practicable?
I am not aware of the practice which the Deputy has suggested. I will have to talk to the Minister for Agriculture about that and find out what information he has about it. I have not heard of that practice.
I assumed the Minister would have done that inasmuch as my question has been on the Paper for some time.
My information was that there were no classes closed as the Deputy has suggested.
Will the Minister be good enough to make special inquiry with reference to the County Roscommon and ascertain from the chief executive officer of technical instruction there whether in fact that has not happened, and if he is so informed, will he request the Department of Agriculture to withdraw the objection?
I cannot give any promise in advance of information as I do not know exactly what is the position.
The Minister will fully understand if I repeat my question at a later date.
Is it the agricultural committee in Roscommon?
Yes.