asked the Minister for Education if it is the policy of his Department not to repair or replace two teacher schools; and if he can state how many applications there are in his Department for repair or replacement of such schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Two Teacher Schools.
65.
I have already on a number of occasions made my policy on this matter clear to the House. I would refer the Deputy in that regard to the Official Reports of 21st July and 21st October last. On the latter date I gave by way of a reply to a Dáil question my reasons as to the desirability of larger education units.
The number of applications before my Department for replacement of two teacher schools is 177, and the number of applications for major improvement schemes to existing buildings is 75.
Can the Minister not clarify the position as to whether it is intended to repair these schools or to replace them?
Each school will be dealt with on its merits.
Will the fact that they are one or two teacher schools have a considerable bearing on whether they are repaired or not?
It will have a very considerable bearing.
If one teacher and two teacher schools are not to be repaired or replaced it follows that a great many Protestant schools all over the country will have to be closed down.
The Minister will deal with every school on its merits and special consideration will be given where needed.
Can the Minister state if at this stage there are many places where officials of his Department are carrying out inspections with regard to one and two teacher schools with the object of closing them?
The policy is not to replace such schools when they come to be replaced, but to provide central schools. The policy is not, however, to close down such schools which are in good condition. If the Deputy thinks there are some special areas of inspection in this regard, he can put down another question.
I will be doing that.