asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that Glenamaddy Guild of Muintir na Tíre, County Galway, have made repeated demands on the County Galway Committee of Vocational Education to have a domestic economy instructress sent to Glenamaddy for the benefit of the 42 prospective pupils who handed in their names as being anxious to attend the class; if, in view of success of the previous classes in the town, which were attended by sixty persons although the course was not a full one, he will see the justification for sending an instructress or issuing such authority as will enable the local committee to make an early appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glenamaddy (County Galway) Domestic Economy Class.
Mr. Byrne
I am aware that the County Galway Vocational Education Committee conducted a course of instruction in domestic economy at Glenamaddy from the 2nd September to the 20th December, 1940, and that the offer of the committee to conduct another course there, after Easter, 1941, was not accepted by the responsible local persons. I have no information regarding any repeated demands for a further course of instruction in the subject at that centre, and, in any event, this is a matter to be dealt with by the county vocational education committee.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister say that if he gets a demand—and I can send him copies—that was made by the parents to the local authorities in regard to the provision of a domestic economy instructress, he will instruct the local authority to deal with the matter, if he is satisfied that what I am saying is correct?
I shall communicate the Deputy's representation to the county committee of vocational education, but I should not like to interfere with them in regard to a matter which they might consider reasonable and fair.
Mr. Byrne
If 42 people ask for this domestic economy instructress, and if the local authority may not think it worth while, will the Minister not use his influence to see that these 42 pupils will get the necessary facilities in future—particularly, in view of the fact that the Minister himself has advocated this course very often?
If it can be arranged, yes.