asked the Minister for Education if he will consider reopening Reentrisk National School, Allihies, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reopening of Cork School.
The regulations for national schools prescribe that, in no circumstances, is aid continued to an existing school at which the average attendance of pupils falls below seven units for two consecutive calendar years. The average attendance at Reentrisk National School declined to 5.5 and 4.5 for the calendar years 1953 and 1954, respectively, and my Department had no option but to withdraw grants from the school as from 31st December, 1954.
As there are only six school-going children in the district at present, I regret that, in view of the regulations, grants cannot be restored to Reentrisk National School.
Did the Minister take into account only children between the ages of six and 14 years? Now there are a number of children there from four to six years who would attend the school if it were open. Are we to take it that the Government will take no further steps to provide educational facilities for the children in this remote area, merely saying that the regulations preclude them from doing so? Surely this is an exceptional case. Reentrisk is situated at the end of a peninsula and there are exceptional circumstances obtaining. I ask the Minister, in view——
The Deputy is making a speech. He is not asking a question.
You should reconsider your opinion.
The Deputy should address the Chair and not the Minister.
You should reconsider your opinion.
The Deputy is addressing the Minister directly across the House.
Facilities will be available for such children through a transport service provided to take them to the nearest school.
I ask you, Minister, to take into account——
I have asked the Deputy to address the Chair. He is deliberately ignoring the directions of the Chair.
I would ask the Minister then to reconsider the regulations governing these schools, and particularly to reconsider the age limits. Everyone knows——
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am asking him a question.
The Deputy is making a speech. He is not asking a question.
I am asking the Minister to take into account——
The Deputy will please resume his seat.
We are not allowed to ask questions here, so.