School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Ceisteanna (331)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

331. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he or the military authorities at the Curragh Camp have had recent discussions with the Department of Education and or Kildare Vocational Education Committee in relation to second level educational provision at the camp; if it is intended to provide improved accommodation for the existing school; if he and his Department are committed to the long term provision of education opportunities at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40075/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The Curragh Post Primary School comes under the auspices of County Kildare VEC. My Department and the military authorities are not currently engaged in discussion with the Department of Education or Kildare VEC in relation to improved accommodation or the provision of second level education in general in the Curragh Camp. Discussions did take place in recent years between officials of my Department and Kildare VEC in relation to the provision of a site for a new school on the Curragh. However there have been no developments on this issue in recent times.

The military authorities have had requests in the past from the Post Primary School for the provision of facilities and currently the School has the use of Gym facilities and the Swimming Pool on a weekly basis. A playing pitch has also been provided as has support in terms of the school transition year programme