asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that since his Department made a public announcement in August, 1968, in connection with the erection of a new comprehensive school in Tarbert, County Kerry, the local vocational committee has made repeated requests to his Department on the matter and so far has not succeeded in getting approval to acquire a site for the proposed school; and the present position in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry School.
35.
The need for a comprehensive school in the Glin/Tarbert area is generally accepted but it has not been found possible to get agreement locally on whether it should be located in Tarbert or in Glin. Until this question has been resolved, no progress in the matter can be made.
Is the Minister aware that there was an announcement in August, 1968, that the school would be built in Tarbert?
I said that at the time it was not found possible to get agreement. What I would suggest to the Deputy is that, in the interests of the children, the people in the area, all of whom would benefit whether they are in Glin or Tarbert, should come together and try to reach some agreement.
It is a matter for the Minister and his officials. The Kerry Vocational Education Committee have been informed that the school will be erected in Tarbert and negotiations have been proceeding regarding the site.
The position is that the money available to me for comprehensive schools is limited. Naturally, I have given precedence to areas where agreement has been reached. Agreement should be reached on this matter in the area. This would be preferable to my making a decision, which in the long-term I will have to make if we cannot get agreement. In the interests of the children's education, the two areas should come together and try to reach some agreement. As I have said, this will be helpful to all children, irrespective of whether they are in Glin or Tarbert.
It is a matter for the Minister to say whether it will be erected in Tarbert or Glin. As far as I know, the Kerry Vocational Education Committee want to build it in Moyvane and they agreed, on direction from the Department, to erect it at Tarbert. They are still waiting to get the "all clear" from the Minister.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that it would be preferable in an instance such as this that we get agreement regarding the siting of the comprehensive school.
Is the Minister not aware of the developments that are taking place in the Tarbert area at the moment? Surely in view of the tremendous efforts that are being made there Tarbert is the natural site for this school?
I am calling Question No. 36.