asked the Minister for Education the steps she intends to take to implement the terms of the motion passed by Dáil Éireann on 7 December 1988, which called for the building of a third level college in Tallaght, Dublin 24 as well as second level schools in Kingswood/Kilnamanagh and Jobstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tallaght, Dublin, Educational Facilities.
15.
I am at present considering the future of Jobstown community college.
The present position regarding the proposed post-primary school for the Kingswood Heights/Kilnamanagh areas of Tallaght is that in view of the considerable amount of capital expenditure required to provide the school, the strict limitation of funding available to my Department and the large number of cases requiring urgent attention, all aspects of the project are the subject of a detailed investigation before commitments can be entered into. Consequently, I am not in a position to say when work will commence on the school.
I indicated in my reply to the debate on the motion in question that I had instructed my Department to include the Tallaght regional technical college in the submission they have made for support from the European Structural Funds. That has been done. I am keeping in touch personally with developments.
That was a most disappointing answer from the Minister. I am sure she is aware that this is the only area in the country in which there will be an increasing population of young people, both for second level and third level education, for at least the next decade and probably into the next millennium. Is the Minister aware that the Brookfield school which the 250 Jobstown pupils are allowed to use at the moment because they have no school of their own, has asked that those pupils be out by next September? There will be then 250 pupils with no school to go to. Is the Minister further aware that £120,000 has already been spent on professional fees with not a stone put upon a stone? The Minister's reply was that she is considering the future of Jobstown. Does that mean that she is considering not having any school there?
I am considering all the factors relating to Jobstown. I am sure the Deputy knows that I visited the school two weeks ago, saw all the classes, met with the principal and had discussions with the people there. Quite soon I shall again meet with them. I have also met with the board of management of Brookfield. I am aware of the position with regard to next September. I have practically assembled all the facts I need. It required much in-depth personal intervention to ascertain all the necessary facts in order to come to a decision. That is the position I am in at the moment.
I want to remind the Minister of her replies on Question No. 10.
Ceist, a Theachta, le do thoil.
Does the Minister recall what she said in reply to that question in regard to third level education, which was that the important matter was for more pupils to attend second level and continue in second level?
That is right.
Would the Minister therefore give the opportunity to the children of Tallaght to attend second level education so that they can then have the opportunity of attending at third level, even if they do not have an RTC in their own area?
I can certainly tell the Deputy that there will be no child at post-primary level needing a place in education who will be denied such a place.
They are not going to get a school in Tallaght.
It sounds very much like that.
I call Deputy Birmingham.
The Deputy's question was about the need for participation in second level. I answered saying that no boy or girl who requires that will be denied it.
Jobstown school will not be built.
I want to see them continuing to their leaving certificate and, it is hoped, as many as possible going to third level.
No school in Tallaght.
I have called Deputy Birmingham. Deputy De Rossa has a habit of intervening without the approval of the Chair.
Proinsias de Rossa
The Minister should come straight out with it.
Could I ask the Minister when a decision on Jobstown will be announced? The universal view out there is that the Minister is playing for time and that there is no intention whatsoever of providing the school that has been long promised.
Exactly.
I have information for Deputy Birmingham. I think that all the Deputies are going to be really disappointed.
Pleasurably surprised?
Then the Deputy will have nothing to say.