asked the Minister for Education if he will indicate the number of pupils and staff, male and female, at the vocational school, Father Griffin Road, Galway and details of the toilet facilities available at the school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway School.
38.
Mr. R. Burke
There are 236 boys and 176 girls and 20 male and eight female whole-time teachers at the vocational school, Father Griffin Road, Galway.
I understand that the toilet facilities comprise eight WCs and nine urinals.
Is the Minister satisfied that the toilet facilities available in this school are adequate for the large number of persons using the school, for the teachers and pupils, male and female?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware of allegations in the neighbourhood that they are not adequate. I think the Deputy, as a person closely involved with the VEC, is also aware of the fact.
I do not know what the Minister means. I am not a member of the VEC. I asked him if he was satisfied that the facilities are suitable and, if not, if he will indicate to the VEC that he is prepared to authorise moneys to provide suitable toilet facilities? The existing facilities are scandalous for a school of 450 persons.
Mr. R. Burke
While the VEC are aware of the lack of "adequate toilet facilities", they have not yet got round to submitting specific proposals to the Department as a solution to the problem.
Will the Minister indicate to the VEC that he is prepared to authorise expenditure to provide these facilities? The VEC have been reluctant to submit proposals to the Department to gather dust there. They would like an assurance that the Minister would help in the matter before they go to the expense of preparing plans. The school has been extended and prefabricated buildings have been provided but the toilet facilities are totally inadequate.
Mr. R. Burke
When the VEC submit their plans we will see how we get along with this matter.
I am calling Question No. 39.