asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the wishes of the parents of school-going children of Mullaghduff, Ranafast and Meenalack, County Donegal to have their children attend a school in Annagry, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Schools.
31.
The central school in Annagry caters for the Mullaghduff district and there is an official transport service in operation to bring the Mullaghduff children to the Annagry school.
Following representations from parents to have Ranafast school re-opened, an investigation was carried out which showed that there were sufficient children in the Ranafast and Meenalack districts to sustain a three-teacher school in Ranafast and that the great majority of the parents of these districts signified agreement to the re-opening of the Ranafast school on this basis. Accordingly, the Ranafast school was re-opened on the 10th April, 1972, and provides primary school facilities for the children of the Ranafast and Meenalack districts. An official transport service operates from Meenalack to Ranafast.
Is the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction expressed by the parents in the areas I mentioned?
I know there are some parents who are complaining but, when a survey was taken of the area, the vast majority of people in this area were satisfied that their children should go to Ranafast. I know that some of them changed their minds afterwards.
Is the Minister aware that the validity of that survey has been questioned?
I have signatures of the people concerned.
32.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the parents of children in Killybegs, County Donegal, have set up their own post-primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that what purports to be a school has been set up. I can only say in relation to it that consideration for the education of the children concerned demands that it should be discontinued immediately.
An application from the County Donegal Vocational Education Committee for the establishment of a new vocational school in Killybegs is under consideration. The effect of such a school on the other schools in this area of County Donegal has to be taken into account. I have had discussion on the matter with various interests and I hope to announce my decision at an early date.
Is the Minister aware that the parents of the children have a right to take whatever action they deem necessary in the interests of their children, and would he indicate when he will make a decision on the vocational school building?
I have to concern myself with the general educational situation in the area. I have met a deputation from the vocational education committee and from the two districts concerned. I am considering the matter and, as I said, I will announce my decision at an early date.