asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the strike at Lisduff national school, Kiltimagh, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo School Strike.
51.
My Department notified the manager of Lisduff national school that it was proposed to close that school and to amalgamate it with the schools in Kiltimagh. Apparently the parents objected to this course and also expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the Lisduff school. Arrangements had already been made to have the necessary additional accommodation provided in Kiltimagh during the vacation period.
An inspector of the Department has been instructed to attend a meeting of the parents to discuss the matter with them.
Is the Minister aware that there has been a strike here for the past two weeks? There are 53 children attending that school at the moment and 50 more young children due to start this year. Is the Minister aware that he has kept schools in County Mayo open which had only 37 to 44 of an average? Why have the Department decided to close this school in view of the determined decision of the parents to keep it open?
As the Deputy is aware, the condition of the school is not good and my first consideration must be the educational interest of the children.
The Minister or his Department must be aware that the condition of this school has been such for the past 14 years and nothing was done about it. All these people want at this time is to hold on to their school. I would suggest to the Minister that he would give them a five-year period when it could be considered if the average went down.
As I have pointed out to the Deputy, the important matter here is the educational future of the children. I have, as I stated, asked an inspector of my Department to attend a meeting of the parents there.