asked the Minister for Education why the special social and cultural considerations involved do not warrant the appointment of a second teacher in the Inishboffin national school. County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway School.
46.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not accept the implication in the Deputy's question.
The staffing of all national schools is governed by the rules and regulations for national schools. Inishboffin is a small island school where the number on rolls is far below the figure of 36 required for the appointment of a second teacher.
In view of the recent statements of the Minister——
Mr. R. Burke
Which recent statements?
We are getting very confused as we go along. Even the Minister is getting confused. I am referring to the statements he made decrying the educational facilities available to children attending one-teacher schools. He said they would be at a serious disadvantage. There is no possibility of amalgamating here because this is the question of an island school. What I am asking the Minister is if in view of the special circumstances here he would agree to the appointment of a second teacher. It is definitely warranted to ensure adequate education for these children.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy is probably aware that in April, 1972, the school manager asked the Department and the Department said they would be prepared to sanction the appointment of a teacher should the manager decide to replace the present one. He did that at the time and the appointment was not made. On the Deputy's point about one-teacher schools, the social and cultural considerations applying to the other school mentioned do not extend to the provision of staffing over and above that permitted by the regulations. If the figure of 36 is reached I will have no hesitation in sanctioning the extra teacher.