asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the Meath County Vocational Education Committee have recommended the closing down of three technical schools, namely, Nobber, Dunshaughlin and Gibbstown, owing to the very poor attendance and the high cost per pupil of keeping them open; whether it is his intention to hold an inquiry into the reasons why these schools have proved failures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Technical Schools.
I am aware that the County Meath Vocational Education Committee recommended the closing of the day classes at the three schools mentioned for the reasons stated in the Deputy's question. That recommendation referred only to the whole-time day classes, and the schools in question would continue to be used for evening classes. The adverse conditions of recent years, and especially of the past year, have interfered seriously with the attendance at day technical schools in rural districts. For instance, the harvest conditions during last autumn delayed or prevented enrolments, and the unusually severe weather during February and March prevented the attendance of pupils who live at a distance from the schools. In the circumstances, it is rather premature to say that the schools in question have proved failures.
I do not consider that there is any need to hold a formal inquiry, such as the Deputy appears to suggest, in connection with the position of those schools, as the Department is already aware of all the circumstances, and I understand the vocational education committee proposes to reconsider its recommendation regarding them.