andMr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, he has for Shontrade national school. Adare, County Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Limerick School.
51.
Mr. R. Burke
My Department are at present in correspondence with the manager of Shontrade NS regarding the future of the school. No final decision has yet been taken in the matter.
Would the Minilet me know whether a letter issued from his Department to the manager of the school stating the school would be closed at the end of June?
Mr. R. Burke
The school is a two-teacher school and has an average enrolment of 39 pupils—24 boys and 15 girls. The principal teacher intends to retire on 30th June. The school lacks modern amenities and a decision has been made to try to get amalgamation with the Adare School. The likelihood of a letter having issued from the Department——
I wonder would the Minister mind telling me if a letter issued from his Department to the manager of this school stated the school was to be closed as and from the end of this month?
Mr. R. Burke
If that happened before 11th June it would probably have been couched in those terms. After 11th June it would not have been.
I am sorry the Minister has taken it on himself to answer my supplementary question in this way. Would he be kind enough to tell me whether the wishes of the parents in this area will be taken into consideration by him and the Department?
Mr. R. Burke
The feasibility of amalgamating this school was discussed between the Department's inspectors and the school manager in April last. The manager agreed it would be in the best interests of the pupils and he was then of the opinion that the parents would not oppose this suggestion. When the proposed amalgamation was further discussed with the manager, it was found that the matter was running into strong local opposition. The parents have written to me directly and various public representatives have written to me and I am taking an interest in the case.
I am glad the Minister is taking an interest in the case at this stage. I should like if he would let is know that every consideration will be given to the parents' wishes in this case.
Mr. R. Burke
I can give the Deputy the assurance that local interests will be consulted in the matter-the manager, the teachers and the parents.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.