asked the Minister for Education why there is a drop in the number of children in each standard in Dublin national schools compared with the number of children in each earlier standard, as set out in a reply of 10th June last; and what is the explanation for a drop to 14,038 in first standard from 33,986 in infants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin National School Pupils.
84.
Mr. Ryan
The difference in enrolments in standards one to four is not significant and may be put down to normal attenuation. From standard five onwards, there is a movement towards junior classes in secondary schools.
Because of the very young age at which children commence attendance at school in Dublin city they generally spend two years in infant grades, junior and senior, and where they begin school after Easter they spend more than two years in these grades.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister explain what he means by the term "normal attenuation" where this is applicable to the particular matter for which I have asked an explanation, the drop from 33,986 to 14,038.
That is explained by the two years. They are two years in infants, so that if you halve the 33,986, the other figure is approximately right.
Mr. Ryan
Even if that is the explanation there, surely the Minister will agree that there is a continuous reduction year after year of something like 1,000 per year? How is that explained, having regard to the fact that children in junior classes are not going into secondary schools up to fourth standard?
This seems to be accepted by the educational authorities as something that has been happening always. It seems to have some relation to the population.
Mr. Ryan
Are we to understand that there is a very high death rate among these children?
No, but the attendance rate would be lower as a result of illness and so on. If the Deputy wants a detailed accounting for it, I can let him have it.
Mr. Ryan
Are they emigrating? It seems to be an extraordinary feature.