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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Jul 1966

Vol. 223 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of County Sligo School.

61.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the grave unrest among parents sending children to Clooneenmore national school, County Sligo, due to a decision to close this school; and if he is prepared, even at this late stage, to receive a deputation from those parents or to send a representative to meet the manager and parents with a view to solving the problem of strike action which has taken place.

I am at all times prepared to send a representative of my Department to consult with parents on problems related to the amalgamation of schools or the building of central schools.

In regard to the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that there are 33 pupils on the roll of Clooneenmore national school and that within two miles of it at Rathlee there is a four-roomed school with at present a staff of only three teachers. There can be no doubt but that the educational interests of the children from the Clooneenmore area would best be served by having them provided for in the school at Rathlee to which they would be taken by transport provided at State expense.

I repeat that I will be happy to send a representative to explain the position to the parents from the Clooneenmore district. It was only in the last few days that I had an intimation that they wished to be heard.

I think the Minister said he is prepared to send a representative if the people request it?

I received a request in the last few days from another Deputy and I have replied to him saying I am sending a representative.

Would the Minister say if the transport provided there has been availed of? I understood transport was provided?

I could not tell the Deputy that at the moment.

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