asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the provision of a new school in Kilcock, County Kildare; and when sanction is likely to be given for the commencement of building.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilcock (Kildare) New School.
2.
Architectural planning of a single co-educational school in Kilcock has reached the working drawings stage. I am not in a position to indicate when building may commence on this project as the rate at which this and other such projects can proceed is dependent on the availability of capital resources and on my Department's priorities and commitments.
May I ask the Minister if she is aware——
The Deputy has not put down a question.
Freedom of speech and the right to ask questions should still be available to all Members of the House.
I am thinking only of the Deputy's colleague questioning other Deputies in his constituency.
Is the Minister aware of the seriously deficient facilities in Kilcock at present? Would she be prepared to make an exception in this case in view of the co-educational aspect involved, in order to accommodate the large number of students now needing accommodation? She might perhaps make an exception with regard to the financial provisions, it is hoped perhaps in the current year, in order to allow the project to go ahead this year.
I am aware that there was a great sense of co-operation with regard to the rationalisation project for this area. That certainly will be borne in mind. I cannot at the moment be more forthcoming with the Deputy. He has made previous representations in this matter. I shall undertake to keep the matter under review. With regard to rationalisation proposals coming forward as a process of co-operation between schools, such proposals should be very carefully scrutinised for promotion through the system.
Have the architectural drawings been completed?
No. Working drawings have been submitted and are at present under examination in the Department.
Will the Minister indicate when they were submitted?
No, but I will pass on that information to the Deputy.