asked the Minister for Finance what the up-to-date position is in regard to the erection of the new school at Newtown, Ballymacarberry, Clonmel; and when work is likely to commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford School.
78.
Tenders for the erection of this school have been invited by the manager and it is expected that a contract will be placed in the spring.
In view of the special difficulties in this area, especially at the Bennetschurch national school—I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary is aware of them—and the continuing difficulty of providing education for the children because of lack of teachers, does he not think that this matter should be expedited by all means at his disposal?
The list of priorities is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Education. The manager did invite tenders on 5th December, 1970. They are receivable until 16th February, 1971, and the purpose of the long interval between the invitation and the date for receipt of tenders is to enable contractors to make provision for wage increases which will become operative in January.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to Question No. 37 I should like to give notice of my intention to raise it on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.