(Cavan) asked the Minister for Education the date on which an application for a new primary school for Milltown, County Cavan, was first received in his Department; who initiated the request; when the present school was erected; and if he will give particulars of sanitary and heating facilities in the existing school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan School.
28.
The Commissioners of Public Works reported to the Department in 1955 that Milltown National School, County Cavan, which was erected in 1869, was not suitable for an improvement scheme and that it should be replaced by a new school on a new site. A scheme of temporary works was carried out at the school in 1958. The preliminary arrangements for the erection of the new school have been considerably delayed by the difficulties experienced locally in obtaining a suitable site. It is hoped that work on the erection of the new building will begin next year.
I understand that the sanitary facilities consist of dry latrines and that the heating of the school is by means of solid fuel stoves in the classrooms.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that the sanitary arrangements are, for all practical purposes, open air dry toilets, that the heating consists of a small fire in one end of this large school and that the place is rat-infested? Is the Minister further aware that there is very grave concern among the parents and will he take steps to have some temporary improvements made so that the children's health will not be impaired pending the erection of a new school?
This is something which can be examined but, as I said, I hope that work will begin on this school next year and it is a matter, therefore, that will have to be considered in that light.
(Cavan): Does the Minister not think in view of his statement that the Commissioners of Public Works reported in 1955 that the place was unfit to house children, that it is a public disgrace that it should continue to be used from 1955 into the seventies?
I admit the school is not in good condition but, as I explained to the Deputy, it was very difficult to obtain a suitable site.
(Cavan): Whose fault was that?
As far as I know, several sites were proposed and they were objected to by one group or another. It is only relatively recently that this site was acquired.
I am calling Question No. 29. There are 50 more questions on the Order Paper and other Deputies may wish to have a reply. The Deputy has already asked three supplementaries on one question.
(Cavan): The health of a number of children is at stake here.
And the answers to a large number of questions are also at stake.
(Cavan): Would the Minister provide temporary accommodation?