asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that the heating arrangements which obtain in national schools in general, and rural national schools in particular, are inadequate; that during the winter months the health of the school children is endangered because they are obliged to remain in cold schoolrooms in wet clothing; and that, owing to the high price of coal, it would be more economical to utilise native fuel as far as possible by the installation of electric heaters in national schools; and, if so, if he will consider making special arrangements with the E.S.B., under the rural electrification scheme, to have storage heaters installed in national schools with all possible speed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Heating of National Schools.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy.
It is a matter for the managers to choose, subject to the approval of my Department, the type of heating to be provided in national schools; but it is the general policy to encourage the installation of heating systems which are adequate for their purpose and are fed by native fuels.
Grants are made by my Department, on the application of managers, for the provision of electric thermal storage heating in new schools and also in existing vested schools where considered necessary or desirable to supplement or replace existing heating arrangements.
Is the Minister aware that in many rural schools the system is still that the children bring fuel or money for fuel, that it is not unusual to find a small child trudging along the road in the winter with a sod of turf under his arm; otherwise he will not be allowed to take his place at the fire during class? Will the Minister have an inquiry made as to what is the actual position in regard to heating in rural schools as I believe it is unsatisfactory?
I must react very definitely to the suggestion that if a child does not bring a sod of turf under its arm to school, it will not be permitted to take its place at the fire.
It is quite true.
I am prepared to receive any complaint the Deputies may be able to send me with regard to that.