asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made in the acquisition of land for the Malahide Community School, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin School.
62.
Mr. R. Burke
My Department has made an offer for the purchase of the proposed site for the school. I am not in a position to make any further statement in the matter at this stage.
Is the Minister aware that the offer made by his Department was ludicrous in the circumstances of the position of the site on the edge of the twon of Malahide? This is holding up the operations of the board of management who are anxious to have the school opened, as requested by the Department, in September, 1975. Would the Minister instruct his officials to make a realistic offer to the nuns involved so that the necessary work can proceed on the planning of the community school?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not prepared to accept that a realistic offer was not made to the people in question.
Arising from the Minister's reply, the fact that the offer made——
That is not a question.
Arising from the Minister's reply, the fact that the offer was not realistic is shown by the fact——
The Deputy is still embarking on a statement. Question No. 63.
Will the Minister hasten a decision?
Mr. R. Burke
I will bear the Deputy's point of view in mind. As he is aware, I am advised by experts in these fields. I am no expert in valuing land and I have to be guided by them.
63.
asked the Minister for Education when he intends to appoint an architect for the community school project, Malahide, County Dublin.
Mr. R. Burke
I am not yet in a position to state when an appointment may be made.
The Minister's Department informed the board of management of the projected school in Malahide in November last——
The Deputy is making a statement again.
I am not making a statement. Is the Minister aware that the board of management are to open this school in September, 1975, and if at this stage an architect has not yet been appointed by the Department, they will find it impossible to build the school and have it open in time? When will the Minister appoint the architect? This was promised in November of last year.
Mr. R. Burke
As soon as I get clearance on the site. When I get the site I can proceed to the next stage which is the appointment of the architect.
The Minister——
Deputy Burke, please.
This is a very important matter.
The Deputy is engaging in argument rather than asking relevant supplementary questions.
In view of the fact that the educational facilities at Malahide are in such an appalling condition, will the Minister instruct his Department to negotiate for the purchase of a different site if this will speed up the matter?
Mr. R. Burke
I will take note of the Deputy's request but I do not think there is any hope we will move from one site to another and go through the whole process again.
The trouble is the Minister has not gone through any process.