asked the Minister for Education if he proposes to introduce legislation to increase the maximum contribution payable by a county council to the expenses of a vocational education committee from the present rate of 2/- in the £ under the 1962 Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Contributions to Vocational Education Committees.
95.
Mr. O'Malley
Consideration is being given to this matter. It is not proposed to introduce such legislation in the present session.
Could the Minister say how many authorities have reached the maximum permitted under the 1962 Act at present?
Mr. O'Malley
Does the Deputy mean how many committees would have reached the statutory 2/- in the £?
Yes.
Mr. O'Malley
I think 11 is the figure.
If proposals have been made for the extension of vocational education in the area under these authorities, would it be possible for these committees to make arrangements to finance these extensions?
Mr. O'Malley
I see the point the Deputy is making. He will appreciate that this matter is under consideration at present.
The majority of committees prepare their estimates in the month of October or November. There are 11 committees, including our committee, at the maximum. We have a big schools programme. We have 1,000 extra children trying to get into the technical school. What will happen next year? Will the Minister give us that authority to——
Mr. O'Malley
I could not answer that in a single sentence. This is rather complex. I have received representations already from other bodies on the lines of the Deputy's question. If he would not mind putting down a question to me next week, I shall try to be more explicit.
Where representatives are willing and able to put an additional burden on to the already harassed ratepayers to provide education, would one not think the Minister should give these authorities permission to do it in view of his promises for the future?
Mr. O'Malley
It is more complex. It is not easy to answer that question with a "yes", "no", "I will" or "I won't". If Deputy Jones will put down a question to me next week, I shall try to make a good, comprehensive, clear statement. There are other committees. I think there are 24 committees in the country. Some of them have different problems.
Next week, will we be addressing the Minister as the Minister for Education or as the Taoiseach?
Would the Minister indicate the actual local authorities who have adopted resolutions indicating their willingness to pass the additional burden on to the ratepayers and not take the view of a selected few?
Mr. O'Malley
I shall cover that matter.