asked the Minister for Education when a grant will be made to St. Mary's Secondary School, Ballygar, County Galway, for the erection of metal work and commerce rooms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway School Extension.
67.
Mr. R. Burke
Grant and loan payments representing 95 per cent of the approved building costs have been made to the school authorities in respect of an extension which included a metalwork room and a commerce room. The matter of the balance of the grant will be considered in connection with the final account.
Will the Minister not agree that as a vocational school was refused in that area it put very heavy pressure on this school and, consequently, an additional grant should be available for extra space, particularly for metalwork students?
Mr. R. Burke
I shall bear the Deputy's request in mind. However, the resources of the Department are not unlimited and we try to make a fair allocation to the different areas.
Will the Minister not agree that in view of the splendid academic performance of the school extra care should be taken to ensure they are provided with metalwork teachers and rooms?
Mr. R. Burke
I know the Deputy's high opinion of the school. The question relates to a grant for the erection of metalwork and commerce rooms I have said the balance of the grant will be considered in connection with the final account.
Is the Minister aware that children from this area have to travel to other centres in Mountbellew and Roscommon in order to avail of metalwork and woodwork instruction? Can the Minister not ensure that those facilities be made available in the Ballygar school?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware of what the Deputy has indicated. The question of allocating resources between large and small centres arises. I shall try to help Ballygar as soon as the financial resources allow.
Is the Minister aware that metalwork students from Ballygar are obliged to go to Roscommon?
Mr. R. Burke
I have just said in reply to Deputy Hussey that I am so aware.