asked the Minister for Education when work will commence on the 600 substandard primary schools in the country; whether his Department maintain any check on the state of school buildings; and if he will give the nature of this check.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Substandard Primary Schools.
24.
Mr. O'Malley
As indicated in my reply to a question by Deputy Mrs. Desmond on 31st January, 1968, there are included in the number of schools which are classified as substandard a rather large number of schools which will shortly go out of operation through their being amalgamated in larger school units. As to the cases where it has been decided that a new building is to be provided, the arrangements are at various stages: in some instances the managers are seeking suitable sites: in others, the placing of a building contract is imminent. I am not, therefore, in a position to give a definitive reply to the Deputy's question as to when work will commence on all the projects concerned, but I can assure him that every possible effort is being made and will continue to be made to attain the position where reasonable standards of comfort and hygiene will exist in all our schools.
I have outlined, in my reply to question No. 23, the type of check which is maintained on primary school buildings
Could the Minister say whether there is any particular section in his Department which is concerned solely with the state of school buildings and the protection of school staffs, or has this been left on the long finger?
Mr. O'Malley
There is a development branch in my Department and there is a section dealing with the specific problem, in co-operation with the appropriate section of the Office of Public Works.