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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 Dec 1973

Vol. 269 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin School.

38.

asked the Minister for Education if he is prepared to pay the site costs of the new primary school planned for Cardiffsbridge, Finglas, Dublin; and, if not, why.

Mr. R. Burke

The basis of the system of grants for primary school buildings is that the local community concerned is responsible, through the school manager, for providing a suitable site and an adequate local contribution towards the costs of the erection and equipment of that school building. I am unable to depart from this requirement in relation to the proposed new primary school to be built at Cardiffsbridge, Finglas.

Would the Minister accept that in these days of so-called free education there is no justification for asking the people of part of a parish in Finglas to contribute £30,000 towards the purchase of a site for a primary school?

Mr. R. Burke

I am not prepared to depart from the method of provision of sites and school buildings as at present obtaining in the Department.

Would the Minister not look upon this as a glorious opportunity for indicating his concern that there should be equal opportunity all round? When the higher education establishments are being built will be ask the parents of the students who will avail of facilities there to pay for the cost of the site?

The Deputy seems to be expanding a lot on the question.

Mr. R. Burke

I am sure the Deputy realises that a generous grant was already allowed towards the building of this school and, in deciding the proportion of the grant, sympathetic consideration was given to all the circumstances of the district and the financial commitments of the parish which include the expenditure involved in the purchase of the site.

I am afraid the position is that the people of the parish are being asked by the Department——

I trust the Deputy is not embarking upon a statement.

——to contribute £30,000 in respect of the site. These are young couples who have moved in there and they have other commitments. The Minister might accept that they should not be required to pay for what is supposed to be free education which the State is supposed to give their children.

Mr. R. Burke

I do not agree with the Deputy that we should depart from the basis of our national education system.

We cannot resolve this matter at Question Time.

Will there be an opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment?

The Chair will communicate with the Deputy if that is what he desires.

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