(South Tipperary): asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the dissastisfaction among the people of the area caused by the proposed closure of the two-teacher national school at Ballingeary, four miles from Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will ensure that the school will not be closed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closure of Schools.
63.
Mr. O'Malley
I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 26th October, 1966 when I informed Deputy Treacy that one of the Department's assistant chief inspectors had visited Ballingeary and had a full discussion with the parents. From the report which he furnished, it appeared that a majority of the parents favoured amalgamation. While I have had a number of representations in the meantime, I have had no argument advanced which would outweigh the educational benefit to be derived by providing for the education of the pupils concerned in larger schools.
I must state also that the provision of central schools and transport services at both primary and post-primary levels forms a definite part of the Government's policy in relation to education. Only where some very special circumstances exist can this policy be departed from. Such circumstances do not exist in the case of Ballingeary.
64.
asked the Minister for Education whether it is proposed to close Grange national school, County Limerick; and, if so, the reasons for this decision, and the proposed alternative arrangements for accommodating the pupils.
Mr. O'Malley
It is proposed that the two-teacher school at Grange be closed and that the children be conveyed on a transport service, which would be free to the children concerned, to the schools in Bruff, where there is adequate accommodation for them.
This proposal has been made in the best educational interests of the pupils concerned.