asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to have a new technical school provided. at Laherdane, Ballina, County Mayo.
123.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Technical Schools.
122.
asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to have a new technical school provided for Knockmore, Ballina, County Mayo.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
The provision of vocational schools at Laherdane and Knockmore is a matter, in the first instance, for the County Mayo Vocational Education Committee, and, as my function is one of sanction only, I am not in a position to state when it is proposed to provide the schools.
My Department has given approval in principle for one-roomed schools at these two centres, and sites have been acquired by the vocational education committee. Building plans, on the basis of the accommodation approved, have not yet been submitted to my Department.
May I point out to the Minister that an attempt is being made by the vocational authorities to lump half a dozen of these schools together and to have one contractor to do the whole job? In view of the fact that title in at least one case is somewhat in doubt, to say the least of it, would the Minister request the local vocational education committee to go ahead with the schools for which there is clear title and not to hold up the whole scheme because of doubtful title in one case?
I am not aware of the point made by the Deputy and I am a little mystified by it because my information is that the committee have not yet submitted sketch plans and outline specifications and in those circumstances it seems premature to try to place a contract with one contractor for a number of schools.
That is what the vocational committee have in mind. May I ask the Minister to intervene in this matter and ask the local vocational education committee, of which I am not a member, to go ahead with what they can go ahead with and not to hold up the whole thing, not to mix up doubtful titles with clean titles?
If that point arises I should be inclined to do as the Deputy suggests but I think he is premature because as I have said the committee have not yet submitted sketch plans or specifications so that the question of inviting tenders cannot arise at this stage. The Deputy's anxiety is premature.
My information is from members of the vocational education committee.
I shall have the matter looked into but the information available to me is what I have stated.