asked the Minister for Education the up to date position regarding the proposed construction of a vocational school at Foxford, County Mayo.
156.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foxford (County Mayo) Vocational School.
155.
asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to provide a vocational school at Foxford, County Mayo; and if he will direct that suitable temporary accommodation available in Foxford be used in the meantime.
With your permission a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
A preliminary report on post-primary educational facilities in County Mayo which has been prepared in my Department will be issued to the County Mayo Vocational Education Committee and other interested parties within the next fortnight. When the interests concerned have had an opportunity of studying the report a meeting will be held in Castlebar to discuss the report and get the views of the local interests. The position in Foxford will be taken into account in these discussions and regard will be had to the availability of any temporary accommodation and the need for its use.
Does the Minister appreciate that local public representatives are being blamed for the delay in connection with the proposed school and would the Minister not now state clearly that the delay has not been with the local representatives but in his Department?
I cannot offhand say that that is correct, but my recollection is that when I was Minister for Education, the Deputy did put some questions to me about it and that I told him that we had to hold the matter up pending the outcome of the survey which was going on and to which I have referred. As the Deputy has heard, the result is about to issue and will be considered in the area. To that extent, if it is the fault of the Department, the Deputy is very welcome to publicise that fact.
Is fearr go mall ná go brathach.