Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Education Development.Tuesday, 20 July 1971 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
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Mr. Pattison:
asked the Minister for Education what provision he is prepared to make for the long-term development of vocational education in Kilkenny city.
Minister for Education (Mr. Faulkner):
Provision for the long-term development of vocational education in Kilkenny city can be considered only in relation to the development of post-primary education generally in the city. Since this is a matter which [1878] is still under discussion with the various bodies involved it is not possible at this stage to furnish the information sought by the Deputy.
Mr. Pattison:
Would the Minister sanction the proposed purchase by the vocational education committee of a site adjacent to the existing school which can be bought at present and could be used for future development?
Mr. Faulkner:
The Department have sanctioned a certain number of purchases but in this particular case it was turned down on the basis that the extra land was not considered essential. We have to concern ourselves with the overall provision of post-primary education in the city and for that reason I cannot accept that this particular extra land which the VEC wish to purchase is essential.
Mr. Pattison:
Is the Minister aware that vacant possession was not given with part of the property which the Department sanctioned and also that all members of the committee, indeed all the educational institutions in the city, realise the importance of providing this extra space because it is conveniently placed between the city vocational school and St. Kieran's College and it could provide for joint utilisation of facilities between the two schools?
Mr. Faulkner:
It is not accepted that it is essential.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Question No. 42.
Mr. Pattison:
Would the Minister receive a deputation?
An Ceann Comhairle:
Question No. 42.
Mr. Pattison:
asked the Minister for Education why the proposals of the County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee for the provision of mobile accommodation in Ballyhale, Johnstown and Thomastown have not yet been sanctioned by him.
Mr. Faulkner:
The present accommodation at each of these centres is considered adequate to cater for the [1879] time being for the expected intake of pupils.
Mr. Pattison:
Is the Minister aware that it is not adequate and that when these schools reopen in September some of the pupils will have no classrooms? It is totally inadequate.
Mr. Faulkner:
No, I do not accept this. My information is that the accommodation is adequate but, however, if a different situation arises in September we can have a look at it.
Mr. Pattison:
What is the point in having a look at it in September when pupils will not have adequate classrooms?
Mr. Faulkner:
The point I have made is that in the view of my Department the present accommodation is sufficient.
Mr. Pattison:
asked the Minister for Education if he will state, in respect of the existing regional technical colleges, the ratio between the number of students in attendance from the area within a 15 mile radius and the number of students from the remainder of the region.
Mr. Faulkner:
Detailed information of this nature is not available to me at present. I will, however, endeavour to inform the Deputy on the subject as soon as possible.
Mr. Pattison:
asked the Minister for Education the amount allocated this year to each vocational education committee for the provision of scholarships to third level education institutions.
Mr. Faulkner:
The allocations for the provision of scholarships notified to vocational education committees in the approval of their annual financial schemes do not distinguish between scholarships to third level institutions and other scholarships. Separate specific approval has been given this year at the request of committees for scholarships to regional technical colleges and the expenditure sanctioned for such scholarships is given in a list [1880] which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
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