asked the Minister for Education if the Vocational Education Committee have any plans for the development of educational facilities in the Islandbridge area of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin School Facilities.
13.
The present provision in the matter of post-primary schools can cater adequately for the requirements of the Inchicore, Islandbridge and James's Street area. There is no question at the present time of providing further accommodation.
This is entirely contradictory to what I know regarding something in which I have been involved personally. Is it not true that a new vocational school is to be built at Islandbridge? Indeed, I referred in my Estimate speech last year to this school when I said that the Gaelic Athletic Association of the Civil Service agreed to allow students of the school to play on their pitches?
Mr. R. Burke
My information is that there were proposals from the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee for the provision of a vocational school at Islandbridge to cater for 720 pupils. These proposals were made some years ago but have not been proceeded with.
That is surprising because, driving past there only the day before yesterday, I noticed that the construction is already under way.
14.
asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to press reports in connection with the impending loss to students at Saint Vincent's CBS, Glasnevin, Dublin, of essential recreational and sporting facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Mr. R. Burke
The property which is reported to have been sold is private property and does not form part of the lands vested for school purposes. That being so it is not open to me to comment in any way on the sale.
While appreciating the Minister's difficulty in this matter, could I ask, having regard to the new emphasis which is being placed by his Department on physical education, if he regrets very much the situation which now takes from this major school sporting and recreational facilities which they have enjoyed over the years?
Mr. R. Burke
Any reduction in sporting facilities is to be regretted, but it should be pointed out that the access which the children had to the playing fields was access to property owned by the St. Vincent de Paul Society and no claim was given by that access. I agree with the Deputy it is a pity, but, as I said, I have no function officially in the matter.