asked the Minister for Education the present position with regard to the construction of a new vocational school at Gort; if he will outline the future planning stages and a time scale for each stage; and the results of his recent discussions with the educational authorities of all second level schools in Gort.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gort (County Galway) New School.
10.
In line with all post-primary school building projects, the Gort project is subject to review under the terms of paragraph 5.12 of the "Programme for Action in Education 1984-1987" which stipulates that:
Discussions will be initiated... to ensure the maximum of co-ordination and integration in the provision and use of school facilities. Each building project in course of planning ... will be examined in the context of post-primary school resources generally in the catchment area to determine the practicability of integration or, alternatively, co-ordination of facilities.
In this context discussions have been held with representatives of County Galway Vocational Education Committee and the secondary school authorities. These discussions are confidential. Further discussions will be necessary before a decision is taken regarding the future development of post-primary school facilities generally in the Gort area.
In view of the fact that the Building on Reality: 1984-1987 document was published in 1984 which brought about the change the Minister mentions, would he not agree it is about time a decision was taken on this matter? Furthermore, is he aware of the very serious accommodation problem obtaining in Gort vocational school, where there are prefabricated buildings, where one can see the light of day at several points because they are so dilapidated?
The document the Deputy referred to is called the Programme for Action in Education 1984-87, a seminal document, prepared and published by my predecessor. One of the matters for which it provided was discussion with regard to the post-primary requirements of particular areas. Gort is an area where these discussions are taking place. These discussions are important, quite complex and sensitive because their outcome will, in effect shape the future of post-primary education in Gort for possibly the next 50 years. It is a question of going slowly and, above all, of getting the consent of the various parties concerned so that the new developments in the post-primary area will be contention-free. I appreciate the Deputy's concern that the matter be moved on as quickly as possible, but discussions of this kind have a certain pace of their own and it is difficult to inject momentum into them. But, so far as we can, I will ensure that the matter is followed up.
I put it to the Minister that this is simply a holding exercise, that the plans for the new school were at an advanced stage of preparation and that the discussions are merely an excuse to put off the commencement of the construction of the building. When does the Minister expect to have a final decision on his proposals for the commencement of the Gort vocational school?
I think the Deputy was not listening to my reply. My reply was that because of the policy objectives set out in the document Programme for Action in Education 1984-87 discussions would be initiated between all the schools in an area with a view to investigating the practicability of integration or, alternatively, co-ordination.
There has been one visit by the Minister's departmental officials in the past two years.
Would the Deputy please let me finish without interruption? Those discussions have been going on. They involve a number of school authorities. They are sensitive and confidential and they will continue with all possible haste having regard to the complexity involved. I might repeat to the Deputy that these discussions and their outcome will effectively determine the shape of post-primary education in Gort for the next 50 years. As a local representative the Deputy will appreciate how important it is to get that right without contention.
Could the Minister say when he expects to have a decision?
I cannot tell the Deputy.
Arising out of the Minister's reply in which he referred to the general situation regarding education in County Galway——
The question refers to Gort.
——in particular I would point out that there was a formal request made to his Department, to his predecessor, to meet a delegation from the County Galway VEC regarding Ballinasloe, Tuam, Portumna and remaining schools——
Even to an outsider like me, that is a long way from Gort.
Would the Minister accede to a request to meet officials of County Galway VEC?
That is a separate question.
It is a separate question.