asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of a statement made by the Bishop of Killaloe, Most Rev. Michael Harty, at the opening of a school complex and reported in the daily press (details supplied) to the effect that he had some reservations about the amount of time spent by pupils travelling to and from school and that he pleaded for a careful assessment of the economic factors that were formulating educational policy; and if a careful assessment of these economic factors is being taken into consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Educational Policy.
45.
I am aware of the statement referred to. The overriding consideration in formulating educational policy is the welfare of the pupil and, subject to this, economic factors are taken into consideration. School transport services are planned to standards which ensure that the journey to and from school is of such a character as not to tax the physique of the child and prevent him from profiting fully from the instruction and training given at the school. The position in this respect is a very great improvement on the previous situation when children had to walk or cycle long distances to school.
May I point out to the Parliamentary Secretary that all over the country in the past three weeks similar meetings are being held in protest? Would the Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister not take into account the viewpoint of these very responsible people who have done an awful lot for education down through the years? Would he not think of acting in some other fashion than this dictatorial way?
I do not know if the Deputy is referring to what the Bishop of Killaloe referred to—the time taken by pupils travelling to and from school. The educational advantages are the first consideration.
Why did the Parliamentary Secretary stress in his reply that there were serious economic considerations? Is it not true that it is the economic considerations that weigh most over all other considerations?
The Deputy must not have been listening to my reply. I said that the overriding consideration in formulating educational policy is the welfare of the pupil and, subject to this, economic factors are taken into consideration. That is important.