asked the Minister for Education if he has received a report from the advisory council which he established to examine the facilities for the provision of post-primary education in the Dublin area; and, if so, if he will make copies of the report available to the Dáil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Post-Primary Education Facilities.
29.
I have not received a formal report from the Dublin Advisory Council. The main purpose in establishing the council, however, was to bring the secondary and vocational school interests together so that, in conjunction with my Department, planning of new school building in the various areas of Dublin could be coordinated. This has already been done in a number of areas and the erection of a number of schools has been approved. The process is continuing in other areas.
Would the Minister indicate whether or not he has had interim recommendations from this body and if he acted on them?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes; we are studying proposals and we came to certain decisions in certain cases.
Are we to take it that reports in the newspapers on this matter are true, where it is indicated that certain public figures have made representations and the Minister has acceeded to the representations, despite the fact that he has not yet received a report from the Advisory Council?
Mr. O'Malley
In certain instances, before there was any council in operation, certain decisions were taken, as indeed they were taken in all areas of the country, and the information which was given in replies to Parliamentary Questions and which in reply to representations by Deputies was furnished to them is correct.
Is the Minister not aware that in such contentious matters there have been reports in the newspapers that these people are getting more information and having their representations acceded to before the Minister makes a decision on the advice of the Council?
Mr. O'Malley
I do not think that would be a fair deduction to make.
Perhaps if the Minister has regard to what is said in the newspapers, he will see what I mean.