asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the policy of his Department in regard to field study centres.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Field Study Centres.
42.
asked the Minister for Education his Department's attitude to the pioneering field study programme sponsored by the Cork Scientific Council at Knockadoon, Ballymacoda, County Cork.
Mr. R. Burke
With your permission, a Cheann Combairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
My Department propose to establish a number of field study centres throughout the country and planning is at an advanced stage in regard to a pilot centre at Lough Veagh, County Donegal. The main purpose of these centres will be to bring such subjects as botany, zoology, biology, geology et cetera outside the confines of the classrooms.
I am aware of the work being done at Knockadoon but until I see how the pilot centre at Lough Veagh progresses I will not be in a position to make a commitment to any other centre.