andMr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement as to the position of the national school in Kilmacoo, County Wicklow; and if it is intended to reopen it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closure of Wicklow School.
37.
I am fully satisfied that, in order to make proper provision for the educational needs of the Kilmacoo children, the only course open to me was to amalgamate the Kilmacoo school with the school in Avoca.
In the circumstances, there can be no question of reopening the school at Kilmacoo.
Is the Minister aware that this decision was taken against what seemed to be the unanimous desire of the parents and that, in fact, there has been a strike in progress since this decision was taken and that the parents have refused to send the children to Avoca? Could the Minister say to what extent there have been any discussions or further consideration given, in view of that situation?
I am glad the Deputy said it "seemed" to be the unanimous view of the parents.
The "seemed" is only as to "unanimous". If it is not unanimous it is virtually unanimous.
My information is that a number of parents would be prepared to avail of the free transport service into Avoca but for certain pressure brought to bear on them by other parents who take a very strong view in these circumstances. The Deputy will be familiar with the fact that these arrangements have been made in the interests of the children. In the past 20 years, there have been eight qualified principal teachers in this school and there have been a number of unqualified teachers in the school for prolonged periods. Because of this and of a similar situation arising again, the Department decided that the thing to do in the interests of the children attending the school was to amalgamate. I understand the position has been explained fully to the parents. It is true that many of them do not accept the Department's view on this but experience shows, I think, in similar instances in different parts of the country that some of those who have been most vociferous in their opposition are those who have appreciated most the benefits of the amalgamation scheme afterwards.
Is it a fact that there are no children who formerly went to Kilmacoo National School now going to Avoca because the parents have refused to send them? In other words, is there a strike in progress? Is it still in progress?
I understand that is correct.
Does the Minister agree that there are about 60 pupils concerned in this instance who are not now being educated at all as far as school-going education is concerned because of the Department's decision to close down this school? Furthermore, is the condition of this school first-class as far as repair, and so on, are concerned? Is it in first-class condition and is it a fact that the parents in the area were eminently satisfied with the teaching given in the school before it was closed down?
My information is that the condition of the school was fair: I certainly would not say it was poor. The school was built in 1933, or thereabouts.
About 35 years ago.
The Deputy will also appreciate that while the condition of the schoolroom is important the quality of the education being imparted in the school is very important. I have indicated to the House the frequent change of principal teacher there and the prolonged period when unqualified persons were teaching there. That cannot have been in the best interests of the children attending the school.
Surely it is better to have them going to school than to have the present position?
The difficulties that arise from this come to light only when the children have left school and are seeking employment. Experience in different parts of the country has shown that this is in the long-term interests of the children. The school in Avoca to which it is proposed to bring them now has five teachers and will soon be a six-teacher school where they will get a much wider curriculum and better educational facilities.
The Minister referred to the school having been there for 35 years: I think that is correct so far as the present building is concerned. Does the Minister appreciate that there has been a school in this area since 1870 and that there is a tradition of education in the area which I suggest to the Minister should be preserved? Finally, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I give notice that I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.