asked the Minister for Education the locations of all the prefabricated classrooms in County Donegal; and if it is proposed to have them inspected immediately in view of the recent damage caused to this type of classroom.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Prefabricated Classrooms.
19.
The information requested by the Deputy with regard to the locations of all prefabricated classrooms in County Donegal is not readily available in my Department. In so far as it concerns national schools I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of 19 January 1984 in which I stated that my Department and the Commissioners of Public Works, whose local offices are readily contactable by national school authorities, will respond immediately to any requests for inspections and advice where such buildings have been damaged or where the school management authorities consider an inspection is warranted.
Is the Minister aware that there was great disquiet and worry last winter on the part of parents and teachers for the safety of young children in prefabricated classrooms? I understand County Donegal was particularly affected because of its physical location. May I take it that the money which was allocated in the estimate for the partial elimination of prefabs and replacement thereof will be utilised? When will it be utilised?
I take it that is a separate question on which I cannot give accurate information at this stage. If the Deputy puts down a question I will supply her with the information. I was asked about the locations of all the prefabricated classrooms in County Donegal and if it is proposed to have them inspected immediately. Dealing with the post primary schools in the county, not to mention the primary schools, there are nine secondary schools, eight vocational schools, four community schools and two comprehensive schools. The procedure is that where prefabricated classrooms are in disrepair and where there are problems, the school authorities make a complaint to us and we have it investigated immediately.
Is there any mechanism whereby I can obtain the location and number of all prefabricated classrooms if I put down a question? Could I get a reply?
This question refers to County Donegal.
The Deputy could get a reply but I would not vouch for its accuracy. There could be a number of prefabricated buildings of which we were not aware. Therefore, it would be impossible to give accurate information to the Deputy. If she puts down a question I will supply information which will be as accurate as possible.