asked the Minister for Education whether his Department have made or will make an investigation into the wide variation in school hours in Dublin; if he is aware that the routine of many homes is upset by the children coming in at different times for meals and that very many school managers have ignored requests from parents for changes and uniformity in school hours; and if, having regard to the present unsatisfactory situation, he will intervene in and make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin School Hours.
68.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 29 on this subject on 13th May, 1965.
In the case of primary schools only, my Department's rules specify the latest time for the commencement of instruction daily. Otherwise, the arranging of school hours is, in every case, a matter for the managerial authorities of the school concerned. I am not aware that this has resulted in any significant variation in school hours in the Dublin area nor that any school managers have ignored requests from parents for changes or uniformity in school hours.
Accordingly, I do not consider that intervention by me in this matter would be warranted.
Would the Minister say whether any investigation into school hours has been conducted? If so, can he state what the variations are? May I ask the Minister if he will refrain from adopting the ostrich-like attitude of his predecessor and, instead, carry out the investigation because complaints available from most parents are that variations do take place? I have no doubt the Minister is aware of them.
The Deputy may be under a misapprehension. The only schools in respect of which I can make regulations are the primary schools. I am not aware of any undue variations there nor, indeed, have I any complaints about undue variations between primary and secondary schools, if that is what the Deputy has in mind. I have no evidence that managers have refused to respond reasonably to reasonable requests. If the Deputy has such evidence I am prepared to see whether I can do anything about it. I have not got the evidence.
Is the Minister aware of the number of times this question has been tabled by different Members during the past few years and, if so, will he accept that as an indication that there are grounds for serious complaint?
The Deputy tempts me to make a comment, which I shall not make, about the weight to be attached to some of the questions——
I hope the Minister is not casting aspersions on the right of Deputies to put down questions.
The Minister has not made any comment.