asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the replacement of the vocational school in Milford, County Donegal; if, in view of the fact that a site is available for same which was purchased with substantial local contribution and that there are 12 demountable buildings accommodating 240-300 students, she will provide a grant to Milford vocational school; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Milford (County Donegal) School.
7.
I recently met with a delegation from County Donegal VEC and following discussions regarding this matter the question of the second level accommodation to be provided in the Milford area is at present under review in my Department. It is expected that this review will be completed shortly. However, I must point out that the rate at which this project can proceed depends on the capital resources available in this and future years.
Is the Minister aware that 240 young people are being taught at second level in eight classrooms which are in an appalling condition, possibly not fit for a Third World country? It is a disgusting sight for any public representative to see. Poor ventilation is a problem which is always associated with pre-fabricated buildings. It is a shame that we should ask young people and teachers to work in such conditions. While I fully acknowledge the economic position, it is not right to ask young people and teachers to tolerate these conditions in the interests of getting the economy right. Money must be found.
I would ask the Deputy to be brief.
The school building is collapsing because the foundations are broken and the teachers are almost afraid to go indoors.
I know that Deputy Harte always has the interests of the students at heart. I met a deputation from Donegal VEC and much of the time of our meeting was taken up with the issue of Milford VEC. They pointed out the present condition of the school, as outlined by Deputy Harte. Two questions arise. An overall review of the post-primary needs and places in Milford is nearing completion. The second question relates to the present state of the fabric of the buildings, a matter which was also raised by the deputation. It is being examined within my Department.
Is there a suggestion that this school may be wound up and amalgamated with the college?
No. The question of the second level student accommodation to be provided in the Milford area is at present under review in my Department. That was an item on the agenda for my meeting with the VEC. There then arose a further discussion on the actual situation in Milford school.
Why does the Minister need a review of the school? The conclusion is that a new school is needed to accommodate students who are now compelled to attend a school which is in substandard condition.
That is not the subject of the review. The aim of the review is to examine the organisation of all of the second level schools in the Milford area and to examine the forward projections of pupil enrolments. That review of the need for post-primary places was instituted by the Deputy's own Government.
(Interruptions.)
I have given Deputy Harte——
We are not here discussing my Government. I want to ask the Minister, if she is not talking about a review of the school, should I take it that the review relates to amalgamation? If it does not relate to amalgamation, what does it relate to?
It is related to the need and the projected pupil enrolments within Milford for second level education.
In view of the appalling conditions in Milford could we be given a little more hope than that of just waiting until money is available? I do not have to press the point. The Minister appreciates it. It is despairing to be told that when the money is there the school will be built. We cannot wait that length of time.
I cannot build it without money. The Deputy says that he does not want to hear that. All I can say is that when the Department's allocations have been received for 1989 the matter can be reviewed.
Surely there is something wrong with a society that can find money to build offices but cannot find money to build schools.
Deputy Harte seems not to appreciate that he has had lots of latitude from the Chair.
I agree with the EC schools, not the EC committees with jobs for the boys and a few for the girls as well.
(Interruptions.)
I have asked Deputy Fitzgerald consistently to refrain from interrupting and making things difficult for me at Question Time. If he continues that practice he must be prepared to accept the consequences.
I bow to your authority, a Cheann Comhairle.
It is now time for Priority Questions and we will go on to Question No. 46 in the name of Deputy Gemma Hussey.