asked the Minister for Education when work will commence on the extensions to the vocational schools in Castleblayney, Clones, Carrickmacross and Monaghan as the work has already been sanctioned by her Department.
13.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan School Extensions.
12.
asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to commence work on the extensions to the VEC schools at Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney and Clones.
14.
asked the Minister for Education the present stage of development of the extension to each vocational school in County Monaghan, and when it is proposed to commence building.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 14 together.
The extensions proposed for Carrickmacross, Castleblayney and Monaghan Town Vocational Schools are in course of architectural planning. Pending completion of the planning process and the receipt of tenders, I am not in a position to say when construction work will be commenced.
With regard to Clones, the question of the need for the additional accommodation requested is under consideration in consultation with the vocational education committee.
Would the Minister agree that there has been very little progress during the past 12 months? There has been an increase of over 31 per cent in enrolments during the past three years and there is an urgent need for additional accommodation.
I accept the assertion that it is a matter of urgency, but the delay is not altogether the fault of the Department. The questions relate to four different schools and I could give the Deputy detailed information in relation to each of them. In most cases we are awaiting further information from the VECs and school authorities. If the Deputy would try to expedite the furnishing of the information I would ensure that the process would be speeded up.
I will do that. Would the Minister agree that there is not sufficient forward planning in the erection and extension of schools? Extensions are carried out without taking account of population projections and two or three years later the schools are again short of space.
It is difficult for educational experts and local people to assess accurately the future educational needs of an area. Whilst I admit that at least two of these schools are very urgent, the problem relates to information which is not forthcoming.
I will see that the information is provided fairly quickly.
Is the Minister aware with regard to Carrickmacross that seven prefabricated buildings are in use, some dating back 15 years? Does he consider this a happy arrangement for pupils and teachers?
I agree that there are far too many prefabricated buildings, and I will give the Deputy some information in relation to Carrickmacross. It is an extension of 789 square metres to enable this school to cater for 375 pupils overall. The accommodation to be provided is as follows: demonstration science laboratory, senior metalwork room and store, general purpose room, geography room, library and stores and ancillary accommodation. An outline sketch scheme submitted by Monaghan Vocational Education Committee did not satisfy our requirements, and a meeting was held in the building unit with the chief executive officer and his architect on 24 January 1984 to discuss the matter. A revised outline sketch scheme was requested and this is now awaited by my Department.