asked the Minister for Education if he will sanction the construction of a new primary school in Lusk, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin School.
13.
Mr. R. Burke
I am advised that the existing national school at Lusk is not in need of replacement. My Department will investigate the need for the provision of additional accommodation.
I do not know who gave the Minister the information that there is no necessity to have a new school there. Some of the children have to sit on the floor in the existing school because of lack of proper desk accommodation. Is the Minister aware that this situation is becoming more grave daily because of local authority and private developments in the area which have put massive pressure on the existing places in the school, leaving aside the number of pupils who will be coming in in July?
Mr. R. Burke
We have had representations from Senator John Boland on behalf of residents in this area.
That is a nice try, but it will not save the Minister.
This is what is called democracy.
Order.
Mr. R. Burke
This happens to be the case. As a result of allegations made investigations were carried out. The manager maintains that the allegations were absolutely untrue, that there was no overcrowding, that the toilets were cleaned every day and inspected and approved by both the Department's inspectors and the health board medical officer. In view of the representations made on the possibility of new housing development, the Department's inspectors will be asked to investigate the question of providing additional permanent accommodation at the school if required.
Will the Minister allay the fears of the people——
A brief supplementary, Deputy.
——in the Lusk area with regard to school places next July? Will the Minister confirm that places will be available for the children in the area?
Mr. R. Burke
I would have to be told the number of children in the area specifically. I would not commit myself in advance to such a promise.
I asked the Minister if he will sanction the construction of a new primary school. I asked him a question about the coming term and he told me he has not got the information. How can he answer the question if he has not got the information?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy is asking a different question.
It is the same question.
Let the argument cease. Question No. 14.