asked the Minister for Education what is the present position about Girley school, Fordstown, Navan, County Meath; and if it is proposed to keep this school open.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath School.
36.
The investigations into the question of closing Girley national school and providing alternative school facilities for the pupils have not yet been fully completed.
Is the Minister aware that his predecessor offered to meet a deputation from the parents, or representatives of the parents, and that he stated that no decision had been taken to close the school? Am I to assume from the Minister's answer now that a decision has been taken to provide alternative accommodation?
The question of the feasibility of providing alternative accommodation is being investigated by an inspector of the Department at the moment.
Surely the Minister must appreciate that this is causing a great deal of annoyance in this district and the suggestion made by somebody—with what authority I do not know—was that the school to be used is a much older and more decrepit building than this school. That does not help to allay the fears of the parents in the district. Does the Minister know that, if there were a water supply and toilet, together with some slight improvements or repairs to the school, it would adequately cater for the pupils at present attending it?
The average on the rolls is 28. There are two schools in Kells, a convent school and a Brothers' school, to which these 28 pupils could be brought, free transport being supplied. The schools in Kells could cater easily for the pupils of this very small school on the outskirts.
Is the Minister saying that it is to the schools in Kells these children will be changed if this school is closed? The Girley school is for both boys and girls.
It is a question of centralisation.
In Kells, yes.