asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that on Sunday, the 6th September last, a number of persons entered Rockfield National School, Co. Sligo, for the purpose of holding a political meeting; and if he can state under what auspices the meeting was held.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Sligo School.
I am not aware that Rockfield National School, Co. Sligo, was entered by a number of persons on 6th September last for the purpose mentioned. My Department is, however, in communication with the Manager of the school on the subject.
I put down this question over a week ago.
This question?
Yes and surely the Minister since last Thursday had ample time to communicate with the Manager of the school in question and ascertain from him under what auspices this meeting was held.
I have communicated with the Manager on the question which the Deputy asked last week. I have received no reply from the Manager. I expect to receive a reply. At present I have no information on the matter.
If it is ascertained that a meeting was held in this school and if it is further ascertained that the meeting was held by Deputies who sit on the same side of the House as the Minister and belong to his political Party will he indicate what action he will take?
So far as I am concerned at the moment, that is purely a hypothetical question.
It is not altogether a hypothetical question so far as the people of the district are concerned, because the persons who went into this school did so before all the people who were assembled there that day after Mass. When other political parties are denied the use of schools for the purpose of holding meetings, it is very unfair of the Minister to allow members of his own political party to hold meetings in these schools.
I have not done so. I have not said that I was abrogating the rule. Last week, I indicated to the Deputy that the rule was still in force and that it was intended to enforce it.
If the Minister finds that the rule has been broken, what action will he take to make these people amenable? Will he send them before the Tribunal or will he send them to be chastised by Deputy Mac Eoin with his sally rod or will he take them before the ordinary courts?