asked the Minister for Education when a capital allocation will be made to allow the commencement of the extension to the Ursuline Convent secondary school, Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Schools.
15.
At this stage it is not possible to say precisely when the planning processes in relation to the extension to the Ursuline Convent secondary school, Waterford, are likely to be completed. It is expected that the question of a capital allocation for the project will arise in the coming financial year, when it will be considered as sympathetically as possible in the context of departmental committees and availability of resources.
Is the Minister aware that this extension is required as a matter of urgency? The tone of his reply does not give me great optimism in the matter. I understood that this extension was to be commenced this year.
As I communicated to the Deputy in December, 1975, examination of a revised sketch scheme received in November of that year had just been completed by the Department's architects. A major extension is to be provided to bring the capacity of the school to 700 places. The current enrolment is 641 girls. I accept what the Deputy says about pressure being severe. There has been no delay on the part of my Department. A developed sketch scheme comprising floor plans, sections and elevations, detailed layouts of special subject rooms and cost plans was requested on 10th February, 1976 and received in the Department on 19th July, 1976. These plans and cost proposals are still under consideration. As I indicated in my answer, every effort will be made to clear them at an early date. The next stage of planning will involve preparation of working drawings and specifications for both the building and the mechanical and electrical services. The question of making a capital allocation will be considered when the tender stage of the planning process is reached next year. At that point the extent of the commitments in relation to secondary school building projects under construction and the availability of capital will determine the date for the seeking of tenders.
I take it the Minister accepts the urgency of this matter. Can he give me an assurance that it will receive favourable consideration when estimates for the coming financial year are being formulated?
I have indicated that it will be given sympathetic consideration in view of the pressure.
Will the Minister come clean and tell us straight that there is no possibility of a capital allocation for the Ursuline Convent school, Waterford before 1978 or 1979 unless Fianna Fáil are back in power?
That would be far too long.
1977 is over-committed.
Order. Question No. 16.
16.
asked the Minister for Education when work will commence on the extension to Piltown (Kinsalebeg) national school, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to extend and convert the existing two-classroom school at Piltown, County Waterford to provide accommodation in three suitable classrooms and a general purposes room. The Commissioners of Public Works are investigating the feasibility of carrying out such a scheme and will report to my Department in due course. It is not possible for me to say at this stage, when the scheme, if it is found feasible, will be put in hands. In the meantime, my Department have approved of the provision of a prefabricated classroom to accommodate the third teacher. When this additional accommodation has been provided, the matter of the appointment of a third teacher in the school will be dealt with.
While I appreciate the overall approach to the problem, may I take it that this classroom will be provided without delay and that the third teacher will be appointed to the school as soon as possible?
What is the overall approach of the Government to this one room proposal?
That is a separate question.
It would be rather directly——
I have ruled that question to be out of order.
Deputy Haughey's party initiated the policy of closing schools in rural areas. We are now trying, as the Minister has said on a number of occasions and possibly to the dislike of Fianna Fáil——
This is not in order, Deputy. These interruptions are disorderly.
He is being disorderly; put him out.
May we take it that the prefab will go up immediately and that an extra teacher will be appointed?
I am awaiting a reply to my supplementary and when I get a reply——
Deputy Collins must cease interrupting in this unruly fashion.
I am waiting for a reply to my supplementary question.
The Deputy will please desist.
The Department have decided to allow a grant towards the cost of erecting one pre-fab classroom at the existing school. We have asked the Commissioners of Public Works to make the necessary arrangements with the chairman for the provision of this classroom and to provide the Department with the estimate of cost for grant purposes. When this additional accommodation has been provided the appointment of a third teacher will be authorised on receipt of a proposal from the chairman of the board of management.
Would the Minister agree that in this area his policy and the policy of the Government are entirely prefabricated?
Order. No. 17, please. Deputy Collins is not helping the Chair today.
Let me be allowed to reply to the jibe made in good humour. I should think that the people of Ireland are very pleased with the way the educational services have been provided for in the last three years.