asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools still functioning in which no flush toilets are provided and no running water laid on; and the approximate number of pupils attending such schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Sanitary Services.
36.
The information available in my Department is not such as would enable me to give the up-to-date position in regard to the matters raised in this question. A decision has already been taken to have a fresh survey of the situation made early in the new year.
I might add, however, that because of the special steps which have been taken the number of schools without flush water sanitation is decreasing rapidly each year.
Has the Minister any figures on this matter in his Department at present dating from any year in the last five years?
I am sorry, I have not—not since, I think, 1963-64.
So that the last reckoning on this matter is about ten years old as to the number of primary schools in the State without flush toilets.
Yes.
Can the Minister say from memory—I am sure he has looked at this important matter from time to time—what seems to be the percentage of schools lacking these essential sanitary conveniences?
In that year, 1963-64?
Yes.
It would seem to me —I am afraid I cannot be very accurate on this—as about half.
How many children would be involved?
I could not say.
Half the schools were without flush toilets?
That is about ten years ago and we have done a lot since then to change the whole situation.
Half the number of schools—does the Minister know what the proportion is at this time?
I will know when I have the result of the census, but I can say to the Deputy that due to the policy of amalgamation of small schools, to the fact that the Department gave the managers permission a few years ago to install sanitary facilities in certain national schools without further reference to the Department and to the fact that we have provided very many new schools and have had major improvements carried on in many schools, I have no doubt that the number of schools now without flush sanitation is very considerably less than at that time.
They would number still a good many thousands?
I would not think so.
37.
asked the Minister for Education whether he proposes to take any action on the report of the food hygiene advisory committee which stated that in some new schools where modern toilet installations have been provided, no provision was made for other toilet facilities including soap and hand-drying.
The recommendations made in the report in relation to primary and post-primary schools are at present under examination in my Department and decisions as to the most appropriate and effective action to be taken in the case of each particular recommendation will be made as a result of such examination.