Purchasing sites for post-primary schools
The Minister said his Department buys sites for community schools and vocational education committees buy sites for vocational schools, and he considered the arrangements generally adequate. Keating warned that the system could leave planned schools without sites, especially in urban areas; the Minister undertook to change the approach if it failed to meet needs.
asked the Minister for Education if he will consider rationalising the position regarding the purchasing agencies of sites for future post-primary schools.
Comment on this
The question of the purchase of sites for future post-primary schools has relevance mainly to the purchase of sites for community schools and vocational schools. The current procedure is that the sites for these schools are purchased by my Department and the vocational education committees respectively and finance is made available as required when the location of the proposed school has been determined. I am satisfied that the current procedure generally meets the needs of the situation and that alternative arrangements are not required.
Comment on this
The reply was in answer to the question tabled and it indicates the Department's position in regard to that question. I do not think the Deputy should expect that I would refer to areas for which the Department have not responsibility in this matter.
Comment on this
The Minister has indicated he is happy with the position. Does he accept there is a probability that in many cases because of the fact that the purchasing agency of sites for these schools is outside the jurisdiction, control and even influence of the Department that there could be a problem? It could arise that the Department's projected plans in respect of meeting educational needs might not be met because sites are not available, particularly in urban areas. Should the Minister not do something about this matter?
Comment on this
Observance of the tradition which has obtained need not necessarily satisfy future requirements. If such a situation arises I hope the position and the approach will be changed.
Comment on this
If it is necessary, is the Minister willing to grasp the nettle, if I may use a cliché?
Comment on this
Absolutely. It would be the responsibility of the Minister in any area where the traditional approach was not satisfying the needs of the children to ensure that there would be a departure from an approach that was found inadequate.