asked the Minister for Education whether he will make a statement on the condition of Shanacashel national school, Glencar, County Kerry; whether the principal complained to his Department some time ago about the condition of the school; and whether this was followed by an investigation into the performance of the principal; whether letters from the principal have been replied to by his Department; and, if so, with what delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry School.
58.
Shanacashel national school is an old building scheduled for replacement by a new school on a new site. Plans for the new building have been prepared but, because it was not found possible to acquire the site originally proposed for the new building, the further arrangements for the erection of the school had to be deferred. The Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to report on the suitability of an alternative site which has been suggested by the manager. If this site is considered suitable and can be acquired, arrangements for the new building will proceed.
In 1969, following complaints by the principal teacher as to the condition of the school, certain improvements were carried out. These included the installation of flush toilets, heating stoves and electric light, as well as smaller items mainly of a maintenance nature. I am informed that as a result of these works the building has been rendered suitable for continued use until the new building is provided.
The inspection of the principal teacher's work was carried out by inspectors of my Department in the performance of their normal duties and due consideration was given to the principal teacher's contention that conditions in the school created difficulties for him in the satisfactory performance of his duties.
Letters addressed to my Department by the principal teacher on 30th April, 1971, and 25th May, 1971, contained allegations against the local inspector of schools which required investigation. This investigation having concluded, a reply was sent to the principal teacher on 30th July, 1971. Further letters which have been received from the teacher were brought to the notice of the inspectors who visited the school on the 14th December, 1971, and the 25th April, 1972.
Could the Minister say whether it is a fact that, when the principal teacher complained about the condition and the maintenance of the school, the response was to investigate his work? Why was that the response and, secondly, in relation to the letters to which the Minister has referred, have they been answered or were they simply given to an inspector to deal with as he thought fit?
There is certainly no relationship between the letters of complaint by the principal teacher and the fact that his work was inspected.
Just a coincidence?
His work was inspected in the normal way. The Deputy can describe it as a coincidence, if he wishes.
When was his work last inspected? How many months or years previously?
I have not got that information.
Question No. 59.
Was it since 1959?
I could not tell the Deputy that, but I dislike discussing the private affairs of individuals in public in this House.
Will the letters be replied to?
I pointed out that some letters were replied to and, in the case of others, the matter was referred to the inspector to investigate.
Without even a reply to the teacher or without any acknowledgement even?
If a private citizen wishes his complaints to be discussed here, is he not entitled——
He certainly is.
——to have them discussed in order to justify himself?
I have no objection to that, if the private citizen so wishes, but, even when he so wishes, I dislike discussing private affairs here. That is the point I am making.