asked the Minister for Education if she will approve the proposals submitted by Monaghan VEC for the acquisition of the Christian Brothers school property in Monaghan as a county centre of further education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of School Property.
18.
A letter received from the County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee in relation to this matter has been receiving attention in my Department and a reply will be sent to the committee in the near future.
Would the Minister agree with the concept of the VEC proposal for the development of a county centre for further education similar to the PE colleges in Northern Ireland and Scotland?
The whole question of the purchase of the CBS, Monaghan, as an adult and community education centre is being referred to the inspector of adult education for a report on the demand for additional courses and accommodation for adults in Monaghan. The 1982-83 Annual Report of the adult education organiser for County Monaghan does not indicate a lack of accommodation for adult education courses in the Monaghan area.
That is against the information which we have.
That is the official information, Deputy.
It may be the official but is the Minister aware that there is a need for specialised craft production and training in that area to enable us to avail of the EEC funding which we have not been able to avail of to date? This money was allocated under the Border counties fund of £3.3 million, whereas after three years only £155,000 was taken up. Would the Minister not think that in that area alone there is a need for development? Irrespective of who submitted the report, is the Minister aware that from 1980 to 1983 we have had a 31.4 per cent increase in enrolments in the VEC schools in Monaghan?
I can assure the Deputy that the whole question of acquiring this premises will be considered very carefully, but it must be referred to the inspector for adult education for his report on the need for additional courses and accommodation. Pending his report, it would not be right for me to give my personal opinion on the subject.
Does the Minister think that that officer is competent to assess the relevant needs of a particular area where there is so much need and where people are travelling long distances to RTCs? It is a matter of urgency because ideal premises are being vacated by the Christian Brothers. If the Department of Education do not move, as many other Departments have not moved with regard to similar unoccupied dwellings——
A question, Deputy, please.
——the building could well go into hands which would not use it in the way best suited.
I am aware of those factors and I can assure the Deputy that if it is considered prudent and correct to purchase these premises they will be purchased.
We will be looking very carefully into the matter when the time comes.