andMr. Donegan asked the Minister for Education the facilities proposed to be provided at the new post-primary school at Rathmullan, Drogheda, County Louth; the proposed system of management; the choice of subjects proposed; and if a gymnasium will be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Post Primary School.
25.
The new school to be erected by Drogheda Vocational Education Committee at Rathmullan will have 40 classrooms, 29 of which will be special subject rooms, including laboratories and workshops, together with library, dining/assembly and guidance counselling facilities. The appropriate accommodation for staff, administration, and ancillary purposes will also be provided.
I am not in a position to promise a gymnasium in the case of any individual school. In this connection, I would refer the Deputies to the statement made on 28 February 1978 in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 18. The form of management and the choice of subjects in vocational schools are matters, in the first instance, for the vocational education committee concerned, subject to the approval of my Department.
First of all, will the site planning for the school make it possible for a gynasium to be added to the plan? Secondly, could the Minister tell the House whether the school will be opened, as was originally intended, for the 1979-80 academic year?
Without having the site plan here I could not answer the question.
Surely there would be provision in the site plan if the Minister is serious about providing a gymnasium?
The Deputy asked about the site. For all I know he has travelled the site himself and he may know whether this is possible or not on the site, but without going up to Drogheda and having a look, I cannot say whether there is space for a gymnasium.
If the Minister is serious about providing a gymnasium he would ensure that the site plan was such that a gymnasium could be added.
The Parliamentary Secretary of a previous administration will have seen the site plans before I saw them. In fact the matter was idir lámha, mar a deireann siad long before my time, and if he does not know whether there is place for a gymnasium or not——
(Interruptions.)
Let him give an answer.
My views on gymnasia and sports halls have been enunciated quite clearly here. I am carrying a load which the Deputy's administration left and I think I am bearing up reasonably well.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 26.
I will give ten for ten years, then we will have one in each school.
Will the school be opened for 1978?