asked the Minister for Education if he is prepared to make a grant towards the cost of sites for new primary schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Site Grants.
64.
Mr. R. Burke
The existing regulations do not permit of the sanction of a grant towards the cost of sites for primary schools.
Is the Minister not aware that, in the circumstances prevailing in the Dublin area at the moment, in many places it is more expensive to buy a site than to build a school? Would the Minister not consider changing his Department's regulations in view of the crippling——
It is a separate question.
It is the same question. Many communities now are not able to meet the expenses. Why does the Minister not change the regulations?
The question relates to a specific grant.
It asks the Minister for Education if he is prepared to make a grant towards the cost of sites for new primary schools. It is a general question.
Mr. R. Burke
With respect, it is not a general question. There is no scheme of grants towards the purchase of sites in my Department; therefore how could I do so?
I am asking the Minister if he is prepared to introduce such a scheme. Justice demands it, as do the people of the country. Everyone wants it except the Minister.
Mr. R. Burke
One does not know what the future holds. The actions of the Government in trying to do something to bring down the enormous cost of building land would be a step in the right direction in this regard.
Arising from the Minister's reply——
I have given the Deputy considerable latitude on this question. He may not hog all Question Time. The Chair has an obligation to other Members also.
I realise that but I should like to put a final supplementary——
The Deputy should not barrack the Chair.
In view of the unsatisfactory reply it is my intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.