andMr. P. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education if he will arrange to expedite the repairs to Ballyboes national school, Falcarragh, County Donegal, as the poor condition of the school has led to a strike.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of County Donegal School.
46.
My Department has submitted proposals to the Reverend Manager of Ballyboes national school in relation to the closing of that school and transporting the children to Carrowcannon national school, Falcarragh.
It is intended that the proposed amalgamation should take place with effect as from the commencement of the next school-year. Accordingly, the need for carrying out repairs to Ballyboes national school would not arise.
The Minister stated in the House, and I think the people of the country took him at his word, that he would not amalgamate schools unless at the express wishes of the parents. As the parents of these children acquired a site a good few years ago, collected a substantial sum of money, got a promise that this school would be repaired, and as there is now a strike there, would the Minister reconsider his decision in this case?
What I said in relation to these cases is that each case will be considered on its merits in regard to the particular circumstances in the locality. The Deputy refers to a strike but the only knowledge I have of it is what I have read in the newspapers. I understand it is to protest against the condition of the building, the failure to repair it. As I explained in my answer, on the basis of the proposal for an amalgamation, this will not arise until the end of school year which is almost finished now. The question of amalgamation there has been very thoroughly examined and it would seem to be clearly in the best interests of the children that the amalgamation should take place.
Surely the best judges are the parents who are unanimously in favour of maintaining the school? Is the Minister not using the excuse of amalgamation to delay the repair of the school? I do not have to tell the Minister what condition the school is in. He should be fully aware that it is in an appalling and scandalous condition.
I am aware that the school is 124 years old and also of the fact that we can do considerably better for the education of these children by carrying out the proposal which I have submitted to the Reverend Manager. This is my objective, to do the best we can for the children there.
The Minister must be aware that 52 children are attending the school at present, and if the school were in better condition, I am told that at least ten or 12 more would attend. Surely this is not a case for amalgamation? I am informed that some children have to travel some six miles to the school. This is all proving that the Minister is using amalgamation to slip out of his responsibility.
These are not questions.
Even if the Deputy's figures are correct, it would still never be a three-teacher school; it would still be a two-teacher school. Of course the Deputy wants to have it every way. If I amalgamate, I am wrong, and if I do not, I am wrong.
I do not like the Minister to say that. That is not a fact. I do not want to have it both ways, I want fair play for the parents.