Vol. 411 No. 7
55 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education when she expects to have third level courses commenced as promised in Castlebar, County Mayo; if she will outline the nature of any such courses so agreed; the amount of moneys made available for building conversion this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As indicated to the Deputy in my answer to his Questions Nos. 231 and 232 on 5 June 1991 any outcentre third level courses would have to be provided under the aegis of a regional technical college. The establishment of courses in the vocational education committee third level college sector is a matter in the first instance for the vocational education committees in the areas where colleges are located.
My Department has not received proposals for the establishment of specific third level courses in Castlebar. I understand that County Mayo Vocational Education Committee has had discussion with the NCEA and with both Sligo and Galway regional technical colleges with a view to developing proposals but that it was not possible in the time available to prepare proposals for courses for introduction in September 1991.
The position, overall, in relation to capital projects in the regional technical college sector is that the provision is totally committed to ongoing projects and accordingly there are no moneys available for such a project in 1991.
With regard to the reference commending the use of a hospital in Castlebar in my answer of the 5 June last the position is that initial investigations have indicated that the building is worthy of further consideration. However, a more detailed report on the condition of the building will be undertaken by my Department on receipt of a submission from County Mayo Vocational Education Committee indicating the proposed courses to be organised.
