asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in reaching a decision in regard to the future of Killurney national school, Ballypatrick, Clonmel, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Schools.
16.
Mr. R. Burke
The proposal made in regard to Killurney national school is that it should be amalgamated with Kilcash national school.
The Deputy will recall that, in dealing with a Parliamentary Question from him on 25th October last, I suggested that a further meeting which would include all interested parties be held to discuss the proposal. I have now been informed that a meeting of the Killurney parents has taken place and that it is proposed to have a further meeting in the near future. I am arranging to have a representative from my Department attend the meeting.
The question asks specifically for the reason for the delay in reaching a decision. Since his information seems to be reasonably up-to-date on this occasion, unlike the last one, surely the Minister realises that the decision of the parents was for maintaining the status of Killurney national school as it is? They were in disagreement, at their last meeting with the reverend manager.
Mr. R. Burke
I am not to be taken as agreeing with the first part of the Deputy's supplementary in regard to the accuracy of the previous reply. I am arranging to have a representative at the next meeting and I will await proposals from that meeting.
Would the Minister define what he is talking about when he states that he is not in agreement with me about the first part of my supplementary?
Mr. R. Burke
The first part of the Deputy's supplementary suggested that my information on the last occasion was inaccurate.
We should forget about information on a previous question. We must deal with today's question only.
The Minister stated he was aware that the majority of parents were in favour of closing Killurney school. That is what I am talking about when I refer to his lack of information on the subject and the fact that he said the opposite some days later.
Mr. R. Burke
I am not to be taken as agreeing with that point of view.
17.
asked the Minister for Education if he had reached a decision regarding the senior cycle in Killenaule vocational school, Thurles, County Tipperary; and the reason for the delay.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not intend to interfere with the senior cycle in Killenaule vocational school pending further experience of the enrolments. I will be keeping this matter under review.
Will the Minister inform the House if he has reached a decision or what is the cause of the delay in reaching a decision?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy is probably aware there are only 18 pupils in the senior cycle at present although 25 had enrolled in September. This does not indicate to me that the enrolment is large enough to justify a senior cycle in the area and, therefore, I will await developments.
Would the Minister not agree that the drop in numbers is due to his continued indecision in this regard?
Mr. R. Burke
I would not agree.