asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the children served by Shranamonragh National School, Ballycroy, are not attending that school, and that their non-attendance is due to the extremely poor condition of the school; and what immediate and effective steps he proposes to take by way of ensuring the continuation of those children's schooling in comfort and without any danger to their health and general well-being.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Non-attendance at Shranamonragh (Mayo) School.
32.
I am aware that the pupils of Shranamonragh national school have been withdrawn by their parents on account of the defective condition of the premises. My Department is in communication with the manager and the Office of Public Works with a view to having arrangements made at an early date for the carrying out of works to render the schoolhouse reasonably suitable pending the provision of a new school.
Does the trouble about the new school arise out of the fact that the local contribution is inordinately high for an area of that kind?
That would be a matter of opinion.
What might be reasonable in parts of county Clare might be extremely unreasonable in parts of Mayo.
What is the percentage?
I am told that in the parish area affected a sum of £800 is demanded. That figure is most unreal.
What is the percentage?
I cannot say.
The figure was not exactly as high as the Deputy suggests and there has been a very big effort on the part of officers of my Department to come to an agreement on the question of the local contribution. Because of the delay a situation has arisen where the condition of the school is such——
The existing school——
Yes. We have to provide accommodation until agreement is reached. I am hopeful that agreement will be reached.
I want to impress upon the Minister—I am sure there is no real need for me to do so—that there is no hall or other place locally which could be used in a temporary fashion and accordingly reconstruction work is most urgent.