andMr. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the parents of children attending Rossnacaheragh school, Bantry, are anxious that the school should not be amalgamated; that a permanent teacher should be appointed forthwith; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork School.
12.
The manager of the school has been informed that an appointment in a temporary capacity only could be sanctioned as from 1st July, 1971, pending consideration of the question of rearranging the educational facilities in the area. This matter is at present receiving attention and the Department's inspector has been requested to have consultations with the school manager and the parents of the school children of the district. I do not wish to make further observations with regard to it at this stage.
Would the Minister not accept that in the case of this Rossnacaheragh school, where 34 children are in attendance, where the parents are unanimous in their view that the school should continue and where there is a suitable teacher available on a permanent basis, the Department should agree with the local viewpoint, leave the school as it is and appoint a teacher permanently? Have we not enough problems to bother about at the present time? Why not leave this school alone, where no problem exists except through the Department's intervention? Why not leave things as they are?
It is not just a simple matter of the departmental intervention. It is the desire of the Department to provide as good education as possible for all the children of the country. As I have informed the Deputy, I am sending down an inspector to have consultations with the parents in the district.