andMr. E. Collins asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is a very wide range of subjects being taught at senior cycle certificate level in the post-primary schools at Buttevant and Doneraile, County Cork and that the school authorities and parents are satisfied with the present educational facilities being offered; and if he will give an assurance that he will not enforce a change in the educational facilities available in these schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Schools.
42.
The range of subjects available at senior cycle level in any of these schools does not come up to the minimum provision which my Department considers necessary. In that connection, I would refer Deputies to the reply which was given to questions on this subject on 13th April. The two schools in Buttevant have a total combined enrolment of 199 pupils; the two schools in Doneraile have a total combined enrolment of 272 pupils; the two places are about 4½ miles apart. My Department have suggested the amalgamation of these four schools and this suggestion is at present being considered by the interests involved.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me the minimum range of subjects required for this area or for any post-primary school?
On 13th April, 1972, the Minister spelled this out. The minimum range required or recommended for this area is the same as the minimum range required or recommended for any other area.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary spell it out for me? My information is that the Department are insisting on a particular subject which is not required by the people in the area and that he is using the concept of a wide curriculum to force small schools to close.
That is not so.
That is a most undesirable policy. This is the attitude everywhere the civil servants go.
The Deputy will never have the responsibility, but he should know that if you want to provide equality of educational opportunities you endeavour to do just that.
The Department should not use the concept of a wide curriculum to close small schools.