asked the Minister for Education if he will permit the holding of a senior cycle course at Kilmihil Vocational School, County Clare.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Clare School.
6.
Mr. R. Burke
The numbers at present enrolled in Kilmihil Vocational School would not justify the approval of a senior cycle course in the school. A suitable school transport service to schools in Kilrush is available to pupils of the area who wish to follow such a course.
Would the Minister be prepared to sanction the holding of a senior cycle course for a couple of years?
Mr. R. Burke
I would not be prepared to sanction such a step.
Is the Minister aware that because the senior cycle course is not available children fall out and do not get further training?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy is aware, there is a falling enrolment here. The school has 70 boys on the roll. The Department have a policy of trying to ensure that there are a reasonable number of senior cycle courses in the country and Kilmihil would not qualify for one of those courses.
As pupils cannot pursue the senior cycle course at this school, they have to go to Ennis or Kilrush, and this results in reducing the number of pupils anxious to enrol for vocational education. Is the Minister aware that the attendance rate at this school has decreased rapidly over the last few years? This is an isolated area and further consideration should be given to the points raised.
Mr. R. Burke
I share and appreciate the Deputy's concern but it is only honest to say that this matter has been pursued by a number of Deputies from all sides of the House over the past three or four years. I am not prepared to hold out any hope of a change of policy in this matter.
7.
asked the Minister for Education if he will approve the erection of a metalwork room at Kilmihil vocational school, County Clare.
Mr. R. Burke
I regret that the number of pupils enrolled in the school would not warrant the provision of a metalwork room in addition to the provision made for classes in woodwork and mechanical drawing.
Can the Minister state the reasons why he would not meet a deputation of parents from the area?
That is a separate question.
It is related to the same subject.
I know, but it seems to be a separate question.
Mr. R. Burke
This matter has been adequately represented to me by the Deputies from the area and I do not see any reason for bringing up the parents on a deputation which would result in my giving the answer which I have now given to the House.
Is the Minister aware that this is the only school in the county which is without a metalwork room? It is a rural area where mechanisation has been introduced and will be further introduced in the years to come. Will the Minister now further consider the matter in view of the demand from all the voluntary organisations, the farming organisations and the public in general?
Mr. R. Burke
I have already answered the Deputies about this matter.
In view of the co-operation from both sides of the House the Minister should reconsider it.