I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
I received a deputation from the principal teachers of the three schools in question last December in connection with the existing state of the school buildings and the question of the provision of new premises.
I explained to them that I did not feel in a position to give an undertaking that new premises would be provided for the schools in that present location. I pointed to the fact that in the last few years new all-Irish schools had been established in the suburbs and I stated that I was very much in favour of that form of development. The opening of these new schools had been paralleled by a falling off in the numbers enrolled in the schools in Marlborough Street. I suggested that it might be desirable that thought should be given to the matter of the transfer of the schools to a new location in one of the suburbs of the city. The question of the amalgamation of the three schools into one school in view of the decline in the enrolments was also raised and this matter is to be further considered.
Two of the three schools have been transferred from unsuitable permanent buildings and are at present housed in prefabricated classroom accommodation. This accommodation, which was newly erected in 1973 is regarded as suitable and adequate for at least a number of years.
I have already conveyed my views in relation to this matter in a letter of 29th January, 1975, to an Cathaoirleach, Coiste Thuismitheoirí Scoileanna Gaeilge, Sráid Maolbhríde.