asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that in the town of Ballina, County Mayo, children between the ages of six and 14 years of age are in attendance at private schools which have not been certified by the Minister for Education as suitable schools for the purpose of the School Attendance Act; and, as attendance at such uncertified schools does not comply with the provisions of the Act, if he will state what steps have been, or will be taken, to see that the Act will be strictly enforced in that area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballina Private Schools.
I am aware that some children between the ages of six and 14 years are attending private schools in Ballina, which have not been certified by the Minister for Education under Section 5 of the School Attendance Act, 1926. The matter is being investigated, and any necessary action will be taken to ensure that the provisions of the School Attendance Act are complied with. The Deputy is no doubt aware of the provisions of Section 4 (2) (b) of the Act in question.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I would like to know when did the Minister get complaints with regard to the position in these schools in Ballina?
The matter has only been brought to my notice now by the Deputy.
Am I right in saying that on the 7th June, 1938, the superintendent wrote to your Department and the Department of Education complaining of the case of a child named Muriel Johnson, who was transferred from the Ballina senior convent national school to the Infant do Prague Academy? Has the Minister any information with regard to that?
I have not at the moment.
Does the Minister say that attendance at a private school, not sanctioned by the Minister for Education, complies with the provisions of the School Attendance Act?
The section of the Act to which I called the Deputy's attention in my reply makes provision for cases where there is a reasonable excuse that the children are receiving suitable elementary education.
But when the school is not recognised as suitable by the Minister for Education, does attendance at that school comply with the School Attendance Act?