asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position regarding the provision of an extension to the Model School, Passage Road, Waterford; and when work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Model School.
11.
A report and recommendations from the district inspector as to how best to meet the future accommodation needs of the Model School, Passage Road, Waterford are being considered by my Department.
It is expected that a decision will be taken shortly. At this stage it is not possible to give any indication of when work might begin on an extension.
Is the Minister aware that the model school is one of the most successful primary schools in the city and that it is a school of the minority religion? Is he further aware that the commitment given by the patron, the board of management and indeed by the parents of the children attending the school is something that should be appreciated by all concerned? Is he aware further that the site of the school is quite adequate for the purpose of the extension sought, that the pre-fab building on the site is now out of date and is in a seriously deteriorating condition? Might I have the Minister's assurance that the request for an extension on this present site will be acceded to?
I can certainly assure the Deputy that it will be dealt with very expeditiously. As the Deputy knows, the initial request came in only in December 1981. It was the subject of a report from the inspector within a period of a month. The report then was processed through the Department and a decision will be taken on it very quickly. I can assure the Deputy that it will be dealt with very sympathetically.
Could the Minister indicate whether the inspector's report indicated that the existing site for an extension is sufficient? Could he tell me further or be more specific about the date on which a decision will be taken in regard to this application?
There is no reference to the site of the school in the notes available to me but I will accept the Deputy's information on the matter. I should like to assure him that the matter will be dealt with quickly and sympathetically.
Could the Minister indicate to me when a decision will be arrived at?
In not more than a couple of weeks. If the Deputy wishes to keep in touch with me on the matter I shall be delighted to let him know.
I thank the Minister.