asked the Minister for Education if his Department has any plans to locate the technological complex intended for Ballymun, Dublin, upon another site.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Technological Complex.
25.
asked the Minister for Education when work is due to start on the new vocational scheme at Ballymun, Dublin.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
A decision has not yet been taken as to the nature of any technological development which may be approved for Dublin or as to the siting of such development. A report which the Higher Education Authority has submitted to me in the matter is at present under consideration.
May I put it to the Minister that the people of this area have for a long time been convinced that this complex was to be located there? There is considerable Press speculation that the site may be changed and may I ask the Minister to give an assurance that the complex in question will not merely be built at Ballymun but built with some expedition?
I have pointed out that a decision has not yet been taken in relation to this matter.
May I point out that when the plans for the satellite town of Balymun were first mooted it was also stated by his Department that a vocational college would be built in the area? Is the Minister telling us now, six years later, that there are no plans at all before his Department?
What I have stated is that there is a report before me from the Higher Education Authority in relation to this matter and that it is at present under consideration.
Can the Minister give any indication when he will give a decision on the report?
No, I cannot.
In another six years?
Will he give this matter his urgent attention? There are many children in this area with no schooling facilities at all.
I am giving the matter my urgent attention.
Question No. 27.
(Interruptions.)