andMr. Horgan asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to sanction a sports hall for the post primary community school at Cabinteely, County Dublin.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Halls.
22.
asked the Minister for Education why the proposed sports hall for Birr community school, County Offaly, is not being erected with the school which is in course of construction.
24.
asked the Minister for Education if he will sanction the provision of an assembly hall for Roscrea vocational school, County Tipperary.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 to 24, inclusive, together.
The previous administration decided in July, 1976, to stop the erection of sports halls and give priority to ordinary teaching accommodation. I am now having the matter considered again in the context of the 1978 Estimates.
In regard to Birr community school, is the Minister aware that a sports hall was included in the original plans?
I am aware that sports stopped in July, 1976 and I am looking at the situation now to see if we can introduce sports again.
Could I have a specific reply? I want to know if a sports hall was included in the original plans and deleted of late?
Any decision taken with regard to sports halls, their erection or non-erection, was taken in July, 1976.
It is very kind of the Minister to tell me that much, but I am asking if the plans for the sports hall have been deleted within the last few months.
The Deputy has asked that question several times.
I have not received a reply.
No decision about sports halls was taken by me since I took office. The decision to which I referred was taken in 1976 and I am looking at it again in the light of the 1978 Estimates. I am sorry, a Cheann Comhairle, for disobeying you.
In relation to the community school in Cabinteely, is the Minister aware that a sports hall was included in the original plans and is he further aware that two of the three Fianna Fáil candidates in this constituency gave a positive assurance to the local community that moneys would be provided for the community hall within a month or so of the election? That assurance was given during the election campaign.
Through the Ceann Comhairle, I can tell the Deputy that we are insisting on honouring all our promises and the fact that the Fianna Fáil Deputies made some promises there will be taken into account when we are reviewing the position.
Does the Minister not consider that it is absolutely essential that a sports hall should be provided? We can take Birr as an example. There are three schools involved.
I know Birr well; I superintended examinations there. I know the Brother there; he trained the hurling team.
He did not train it enough for last Sunday's match against Clare. Will the Minister take an urgent look at the situation in view of the fact that it is proposed to open this school next September?
I will take a look at it.