asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by the bishops' and religious committee on education with regard to his Department's policies on post-primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post-Primary Education Statement.
55.
I have seen this statement and am glad of the recognition it shows of the need to reorganise second-level education. I am also glad of the manner in which it acknowledges the great problems facing my Department as a result of the number of small schools, particularly in the smaller towns and also as a result of the necessity to provide adequate educational facilities in the newly developing areas in the cities and larger towns.
I want to stress once again that my community school proposals are designed to meet these problems. I am basically interested in schools providing a curriculum which in breadth and in depth can cater for the aptitudes and ability of the children in the area which they serve. Such schools may be either secondary schools, vocational schools, comprehensive schools or community schools provided they are able to offer the necessary range of subjects.
While very few topics have in recent years been subjected to such a degree of debate and discussion as has education, I have felt for some time that parents and others involved in education may be in need of guidance as to the changing requirements of second-level education. For that reason some months back I commissioned within my Department the preparation of a booklet which would show the present position, highlight the problems and spell out the developments as I see them if we are to provide adequate education for our post-primary pupils.
In view of what the Minister has just said, how can he justify the building of community schools in Blanchardstown and Tallaght to cater for 1,600 pupils?
I have answered Deputy O'Connell's question and I do not propose to either add to or subtract from that reply.
Could I ask the Minister has this booklet been published or will it be in the nature of a White Paper explaining the Government's policy and plans for the future and in response to requests made by these religious school authorities for such a White Paper?
I do not accept that I was requested by the Hierarchy to publish a White Paper. What I have, in fact, pointed out here is that some months ago I commissioned in my Department the preparation of a booklet which would show the present position, highlight the problems and spell out the developments, as I see them.
That could be very valuable. Will it be published?
When it is ready, but it will not be ready for some time.
When will it be ready?
I could not give the Deputy a date, but I commissioned it some time ago.
The Minister will recognise that the document we are discussing here was very positive in tone. It did not oppose any particular proposal but sought adequate information and it would seem desirable to respond in a positive way to that approach.