asked the Minister for Education whether he has received representations regarding the proposed closing of the national school at Reengaroga Island, Baltimore, County Cork; and whether, in view of the local circumstances, he will permit the school to continue in operation, more especially as there is every prospect of an improvement in the attendance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork National School.
Under the regulations of the Department it is necessary, when a school fails to maintain an average attendance of at least seven units for two consecutive calendar years, to withdraw State grants from the school.
The average attendance at Reengaroga National School fell below seven for the calendar year 1947. There has been correspondence with the reverend manager and with the inspector as to what is the correct figure of average attendance for the calendar year 1948, but the matter has not yet been brought to issue and further inquiries are being made. If the correct average attendance is found to be less than seven (6.5 being regarded as seven for this purpose) the school will have to be discontinued and it would be necessary that an average attendance of at least ten be maintained before it could again be recognised.