asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there are nine children of school-going age resident in Reengaroga Island, Baltimore, County Cork, who have, at present, to travel as much as five miles to the nearest school; and, if so, whether he will consider reopening the school on the island, or alternatively, provide suitable transport for the children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reengaroga Island (County Cork) School Facilities.
According to particulars furnished to the Department, it appears that there are eight children between the ages of four and 14 years resident on Reengaroga Island. Of these only four are between the ages of six and 14 years. In order to warrant the reopening of the school on the island it would be necessary that there should be a sufficient number of children on the rolls to ensure an average attendance of at least ten.
The provision of a transport service would require that the average number of eligible children conveyed each quarter should be at least seven.
As the necessary conditions in regard to the maintenance of the requisite minimum averages cannot be fulfilled I regret that it is not permissible under the regulations to reopen the school on the island or to allow a grant-in-aid of a transport service.
Does not the Minister agree that it is unfair to have children of five to seven years walking five miles to school? Is there no way out of it? There are three children of five, six and seven years and they have to walk five miles to school every morning if they are to go there. How are they to be transported?
Would the Minister not consider in this connection a scheme of the nature he put into operation in Goleen where a similar situation arose and where a certain limited contribution was made by the parents and the Minister made a contribution to the school manager for their transport?
I wonder if the Deputy's question is answered by Deputy Collins? These children cannot be provided for under the regulations.
These people are in very poor circumstances and it would be very hard for them to bear portion of the cost as suggested by Deputy Collins. The island is a very poor island and this family are in very poor circumstances and I personally believe that they would not be in a position to pay any portion of the cost. In addition there are six more children on the island of school-going age and there are three younger children of two, three and four years and I think the only solution would be to open the school as this has been going on for the past three years.
The Deputy is making a speech.
The Deputy will understand that these regulations are not made without due consideration and deep concern for all the facts involved. I am sure very serious consideration was given to the matter before the regulations were made. The only thing I can promise is that I will try to find some way of dealing with the problem raised by the Deputy.