asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that pupils of Loughduff school, County Cavan, have been on strike since 7th January 1971; and what action he proposes to take to resolve the problem.
27.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan School.
26.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the parents of pupils attending Loughduff primary school, County Cavan, at his Department's decision to close the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement concerning the various allegations made by the Loughduff Parents' Association, Loughduff, County Cavan, concerning the condition and future usage of their local primary school at Loughduff.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 27, and 28 together.
I am aware that there is some dissatisfaction in the Loughduff district about the siting of the new central school at Mullaghoran and that some of the parents have withdrawn their children from Loughduff school. It has been decided to replace Loughduff national school and two other schools in the parish of Mullaghoran by a new central school. This decision to site the school at Mullaghoran was taken in the best educational interests of the children in the parish and was supported by the majority of the parents.
Can the Minister state what proportion are on strike?
A small proportion, taking into account the number of schools involved. There are three schools involved and the number involved in the strike is relatively small.
(Cavan): Would the Minister agree that the cause of the strike is to try to prevent the building of the central school at Mullaghoran?
This would appear to be the position.
(Cavan): Would the Minister not agree that the majority of the pupils are still attending the Loughduff national school?
That is so.
(Cavan): Is it true that there are only about 28 out of 71 on strike?
That is so. It is obvious to anyone who knows the geography of the district that Mullaghoran is the most suitable location.
(Cavan): That is generally accepted. Would the Minister please use his influence with the Office of Public Works to get the central school built at Mullaghoran and thereby end all this unpleasantness?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance has given a reply on this.
(Cavan): Yes, but it seems to be taking its normal course. The Minister will appreciate that a crash programme is necessary in this instance because things are far from pleasant in the area at the moment.
Would the Minister consider having officials of his Department consult with parents of the children concerned so that the matter can be resolved? The children have been out of school for almost six months.
It is my view that it is a pity the children should be kept away from school——
Does the Minister propose to do anything about it?
I do not see how any discussions between officials of my Department and the parents will make any difference. The parents know exactly what is the position and in justice to their children they should send them to school.
(Cavan): I am sure the Minister will agree that he has got every co-operation from the reverend manager in connection with this matter.
So far as this question is concerned, as I mentioned a moment ago, it is obvious that the most suitable centre for the central school has been chosen. Practically all of the parents are satisfied with this but a small number of parents are keeping their children at home, obviously with the intention of endeavouring to keep the school at Loughduff open. I am addressing myself to the parents now and and I am telling them that in the interest of their children they should send them to school. The point in having a central school in this area is to improve the education of all children in the area and the sensible thing for the parents to do is to send their children to Loughduff school until such time as the new central school at Mullaghoran is built.
The Department took the decision to classify Loughduff school as unsuitable and decided to replace it by a new central school. As the Minister is aware, on 24th September, 1969, the Department informed the parents' association that flush toilets had been sanctioned for that school. Subsequently the Department changed their minds regarding the suitability of the school, thus causing local dissension. In order to resolve the matter and to bring about a better community spirit, it may well be desirable for an inspector or a senior official to meet the parents' association and explain the position to them.
The Deputy is asking me to request officials of my Department to meet someone who claims to represent the parents when, in fact, he represents only a small proportion of the parents.
The Minister is splitting hairs.
The parents have taken a decision on this matter and we should abide by it.
I am calling Question No. 29.